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Home » Oceania » Australia » 10 EPIC Australia Road Trips: Big, Bold, and Beautiful

10 EPIC Australia Road Trips: Big, Bold, and Beautiful

Australia: a continental landmass of crocodile-wrestling locals, man-eating dropbears, and gigantic expanses of endless red dirt. Maybe only one of those things is true.

That said, there is truly, truly massive amounts of red dirt. On any Australian road trip through its gargantuan “Red Centre”, you will see endless horizons of ochre hues. Words cannot describe the scope of this untameable land.

In Australia, one can easily drive for days on end without the scenery changing at all and with only the occasional roo – jumping out in front of the car on a suicide mission – to break up the routine. But if you can handle the distances and duck the kamikaze kangaroos, the country can be one hell of a setting for some epic Australian road trips.

Of course, embarking on Australia’s road trips isn’t so simple. First, you’ll need a vehicle. You’ll also need to manage the equally untameable cost of travelling in Australia. (Damn you fuel prices in Oz!)

And of course, you’ll need to decide on which of the best road trips in Australia you’ll be Mad Max-ing. Spoiler: they’re all bloody magnificent.

So that’s why I’ve written this guide to travelling Australia by car (or van). A roundup of the most epic Australian road trips you can possibly sink your teeth and adventurer chomps into!

Fire her up cause we’re headin’ out back, mate.

Exploring Australia: Prepping for the Road Trip

Top 10 epic australia road trips: she’ll be right, 10. kangaroo island, some safety advice for australia, let the great australia road trip commence.

The word Australia is now pretty much synonymous with the word “backpacking”. This is primarily because countless backpackers from all around the world now flock here annually, either to take long working holidays (yay for obscenely high minimum wages) or to try and start a new life.

Meanwhile back in the rest of the world, (certainly in India, South-East Asia and South America) it often feels like most of the other backpackers you meet are Australian (closely followed by Germans then Israelis). In summary Australia = Backpacking . Right?

Despite this, the former prison colony has still not really been properly explored save by only a handful of very brave and foolish souls. Australia is massive, it’s red, it’s angry, and it’s often damn well deadly and therefore, most folks (residents and visitors alike) end up sticking to the coastlines .

However, if you want to discover the real Australia then you need to head away from the beach and into that deliciously daring ‘outback’ . For a proper adventure, you gotta get away from humanity and into the sheer undulating arid heat. If you’re going to do that, then you’re going to need to get yourself a car and set off for an epic road trip in Australia.

The road is calling (here are a few inspiring road trip quotes , just in case you need any more motivation).

How to Travel Australia by Car

Firstly, you will need a driving licence . A serious traveller may even want to get an International licence although most “Western” licence (US, EU, etc.) will be perfectly valid down under . Be sure to get this back in your home country because everything is expensive in Australia.

You’re also going to need a vehicle for a road trip in Australia – no brainer! There are three ways to go about this:

• Hire a car or van in Australia – Renting a car in Australia is easy albeit expensive and much better suited to a short trip. There are heaps of car rental services in Australia but I recommend JUCY Rentals . They’ve been in the game as long as I remember; parked by the beaches of Byron Bay is a time-honoured Australian tradition almost as much as a beer and fish and chips. Probably also in Byron.
• Buy a car or van –  This is option two and the true backpacker way to have a road trip in Australia. Backpackers buying and reselling vehicles in Australia is incredibly common (given the sheer scope of Australia) and acquiring a pre-loved gypsy warhorse and selling it again later is super viable. The best way to go about this is through online listings: social media groups, car sales websites, Gumtree , traveller/hostel message boards, or even dipping into your personal network.
• Steal a car or van – Jokes, don’t do that. Remember how I said Australia was an ex-prisoner colony. Dem fuckers be crazy.

Travel Australia by Van or Car

Right, so you may have noticed how I specified van  OR  car. That’s because both are viable, however, I do have a special love in my heart for living and travelling in a van. And truth be told, Australia’s barren empty wilderness and endless beaches are simply built for the vanlife.

Ultimately though, the choice is yours. A car is cheaper to acquire (generally) and requires less mechanical knowhow, but you won’t have the sheer magnificent awesomeness a home with wheels. That said, vans can be absolute primadonnas and konk out on you at the worst possible time so it’s a matter of choice and desire.

Lastly (and most importantly), it is worth noting that not ALL of Australia will be open to you in a standard van or car. A lot of Australia’s landscape is incredibly harsh and some of the absolute best road trips will only be doable with a four-wheel drive.

Either way, the vehicle type you choose is going to affect your packing for the great Australian road trip . To that end, here is some more recommended reading:

Car Camping in Australia Resources:

• The Ultimate Road Trip Packing List
• The Camping Master Checklist
• Best Budget Backpacking Tents
• Best Sleeping Bags
• And don’t forget a sleeping pad!

Van Travel in Australia Resources

• The Full Guide to Vanlife
• Campervanning in New Zealand Guide

(Yes I know it’s New Zealand but bar the much smaller scope and lack of murderous animals, the countries are quite comparable.)

Oh, and here’s a kickass post discussing the cost of a road trip in Australia . Ta-dah!

A Word on Australian Visas

Pretty much everybody will need a visa to enter Australia. The immigration policies and staff are zealous and you will be given the once over.

Travellers from most Western Countries can enter for tourism purposes on an Australian ETA (subclass 601) . Whilst these are amongst the easiest type to obtain, do remember to apply before you fly or you risk deportation

Ok, no more blabber-blabber: the best road trips in Australia! Let’s hop to it and get this show on the road!

So. Many. Puns.

So. Little. Time.

1. Gibb River Road – Western Australia

Accessible only by four-wheel drive, and completely impossible to do in the wet season, this road is one hell of an adventure. Bringing you 660 km down a dirt track from Broome to Kununurra , you’re likely not to see another soul on the road.

Countless waterfalls and natural springs greet you along the way – just make sure to check for freshwater crocs before you hop in! It’s one of the best routes you can take for an Australian road trip.

2. Cairns to Cape York – Queensland

At the northernmost tip of Australia, practically touching Papua New Guinea, lives a place called Cape York . Far from the backpacker trail, it’s an amazing place to explore. (Other than the saltwater crocodiles lurking in the water. Australia’s wildlife: the reoccurring theme of this guide).

The road travels down dirt roads with many river crossings, so you definitely need a four-wheel drive, much like most of the best spots in an Australia road trip. As you travel up from Cairns , you’ll pass through Cape Tribulation – a tiny town nestled in the rainforest, with the Great Barrier Reef a mere 30-minute boat ride away. It doesn’t get more idyllic than that.

3. Darwin to Uluru – Northern Territory

While this one can be done with an ordinary two-wheel drive vehicle, the route is definitely far from ordinary. A hundred kilometres south of Darwin , you’ll reach the gorgeous Litchfield National Park . With more waterfalls than you can handle, a ton of different bush walks, and a unique (and odd) type of termite mound, you could spend weeks in the park.

Continuing south you’ll get a true taste of the Outback, with roads stretching far into the horizon. But don’t worry, you won’t get bored; those suicidal kangaroos will keep you on your toes as you cruise to the red hot centre of Australia. Be sure to stop in at Alice Springs on your way to Uluru – yes, the famous giant red rock – to check out some traditional Aboriginal art  as well as the stunning views you won’t catch anywhere else on earth. You’ll find a few great hostels in Alice Springs as well. A great route to choose for an Australia road trip!

4. Great Ocean Road – Victoria

The Great Ocean Road is widely mooted as the “greatest” amongst the epic Australian road trips, and one of the best road trips in Victoria . For all those in love with the ocean, this road is an absolute must. Gliding along from every surfer’s paradises to massive plunging cliffs, the road is nothing short of spectacular.

Starting 275 km west of Melbourne , you’ll find the world-famous Twelve Apostles , where huge rock stacks rise from the waves. Love surfing (or the movie Point Break)? Get to Bells Beach , the setting of the last scene of the film, as well as Rip Curl’s surfing competition.

Be sure to stop in at some of the villages along the road as well; from Victorian-era buildings to small fishing communities, there are some great destinations along the Great Ocean Road.

5. The Greater Blue Mountains Drive – New South Wales

Mountains in Australia? Blue mountains ? Yep, they’ve got more than just kangaroos and koalas out there.

Taking you from the metropolis of Sydney right up the middle of the Blue Mountains , this drive is anything but ordinary. From Jenolan Caves , filled with crazy limestone formations, to the Three Sisters rock formation in Katoomba , you will find plenty to do in the area.

And if you get bored of the main route, no worries! The Bluies (a bit of local lingo for ya there) is an absolutely massive mountain range with awesome hostels to stay at tonnes of branching tracks:

• Running from Sydney to Lithgow is the Great Western Highway (the main route).
• Parallel to the Great Western on the other side of the Grose Valley is Bell’s Line of Road .
• There are heaps of dirt roads and fire trails running into the bush everywhere to explore.
• And tonnes of branching roads in other directions. Check out the  Megalong Valley or head towards  Oberon for some more eye candy.

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6. The Nullarbor Plain – West Australia

The long road to Perth takes in 2000km of red Australia at its harshest. It’s flat, it’s long, it’s arid, and it’s a big wide open space so don’t get acrophobic on me now. It’s also an utterly rewarding adventure and one of the best of the epic Austrian road trips you can do.

It’s fair to say that doing the proper crossing of Australia by car is both an Australian and backpacker rite of passage. Take a friend or get used to your own company because it’s a lonely journey and not for the faint of heart. But my god is it a journey.

If, however, this all sounds like too much then see number 7.

7. Tasmania’s Heritage Trail

Tasmania is Australia’s best-kept secret. The region boasts beauty in abundance but has somehow escaped consumption by the backpacker trail. It’s also a lot smaller and compact to travel; like a miniature New Zealand!

This was once the gateway to Australia and was where the original convict chain-gangs were set to work colonising the country. The highwaymen that once haunted these high-ways and by-ways are now gone but you still need to be mindful of those damn roos who may surprise you! This is quite a short and pleasant drive – it’s a lot greener too – so is the perfect contrast to the above Australian road trip.

8. The Alpine Way – New South Wales

Did you know you could fit the entirety of old Wales into New South Wales several times over? However, this route is only 121km long so should only take you a day (plus stops).

The best time to come here is in early spring when the snow is melting (yes, Australia gets snow) but you still get the alpine scenery. There are also loads of great, and safe, places to wild camp along the way.

9. Sydney to Melbourne

Ok, so we did kind of dissed the folks who stick to the coast back there. However, the reality is that if you’re gonna fly all the way to Australia, you will most likely either fly to Sydney or to Melbourne first – two of the best places to stay in Australia . Therefore you may as well make a road trip out of it, right?

There are loads of little coastal towns along the coastal route (think Summer Bay from Home & Away) as well as idyllic little spots for fishing and bird watching. This trip is also perfect if you’re short on time, an inexperienced explorer or if your car is not up to the harder, inland roads.

If the mainland somehow feels too big, then take the ferry from Adelaide across to Kangaroo Island . As the name suggests, it’s an almost untouched animal sanctuary so you can expect more kamikaze kangaroos then we care to mention. To battle stations, comrades: they’re rebelling!

You can take your car onto the ferry (it’s the same deal for Tassie by the way) but if you are renting one, please check that the rental company allows you to do this.

Seriously, there’s a whole other post in this but ok. Pickpockets, terrorists, murderers: these aren’t a concern so much in Australia (Ivan Milat notwithstanding) . There are other concerns, however. Especially for travellers unwitting to Australia’s harshness.

The wildlife is, of course, the bad joke of the global community. Crocs, jellyfish, snakes, spiders, sharks… hell, an emu can kill you if it wants. Generally, you stay away from them, then they’ll stay away from you. The big exception is crocs.

Any area where crocs are common in the water (northern areas of Australia in particular), be hella safe swimming. In fact, probably just don’t swim. If a croc gets you, you’re dead: end of story. Australia isn’t some landscape of bloodthirsty man-eating monsters like people seem to think, but you need to pay attention.

Next, swimming safety. A lot of the beaches are rough and tourists have died going past their limits. Be careful swimming on Australia’s beaches: swim between the lifeguard’s flags, watch out for surfers, and if you get stuck in a rip, let it take you until it subsides. Common sense prevails when swimming in Australia.

Are you done, Dad?  No. Two more things

One More Thing: Australia Road Trip Safety

Road trips in Australia are very different from the States, Europe, or most other places for that matter. Maybe it’s comparable to a hot Siberia.

Populated coastlines are different but in rural areas and especially in the Outback, there are a number of things to be careful about:

• Supplies –  Always have enough food, petrol (including extra tanks),  WATER ; it’s quite possible to go days without seeing another human in Australia’s most vast areas and if you breakdown without these things, she’ll probably not be right.
• Stop, revive, survive – Famous safety motto in Australia: take frequent rest breaks and naps if necessary when driving. It’s actually amazing how many people die on Australia’s long, straight, empty roads – counter-intuitive, right? It’s easy to lose concentration when you’ve been driving in a straight line staring at the same dot on the horizon for 6 hours. It’s easy to fall asleep at the wheel and flip your car or smash into a pole at 120+km/h. Be smart.
• Watch out for wildlife –  All the jokes aside about suicidal kangaroos, imagine hitting one. That can be 6+ feet and 80+ kilograms of proper red-blooded Australian muscle and bone crunching your bonnet and coming through your windshield. It’s the same as hitting a person. Hitting wildlife on an Australian road trip can be just as bad for you as it is for them. Plus, they’re so damn cute! Just watch out for them.
• Roadside Drug Testing –  Can be common in some states and areas and the laws are an absolute mess. Just sayin’…

Last Thing! Get Insured Before Travelling to Australia

What if the kangaroos really do form an army and rise up. Do you know how many kangaroos there are in Australia? We’ll never stand a chance!

Na, you’ll be fine. You know why? Because you’re a smart cookie and you got travel insurance!

A wise man once said that if you can’t afford travel insurance, you can’t really afford to travel – so do consider backpacker insurance sorted before you head off on an adventure! Traveling without insurance would be risky. I highly recommend World Nomads .

ALWAYS sort out your backpacker insurance before your trip. There’s plenty to choose from in that department, but a good place to start is Safety Wing .

They offer month-to-month payments, no lock-in contracts, and require absolutely no itineraries: that’s the exact kind of insurance long-term travellers and digital nomads need.

SafetyWing is cheap, easy, and admin-free: just sign up lickety-split so you can get back to it!

Click the button below to learn more about SafetyWing’s setup or read our insider review for the full tasty scoop.

There! Done dad-ing you now. Now you can go and get yourself killed in Australia!

Kidding! You’re not gonna die. You’re gonna have an amazing time. You’ll see some sights like no where else in the world, you’ll face some challenges that’ll help you grow, and at the end of it you’ll say:

“Strewth, mate! Too bloody right. That was pretty fuckin’ orright!”

Have fun, amigos. Australia is truly breathtakingly beautiful and she offers something no other country in this world can. Truly, she is special.

So go hit her up! Take her for a drive – some epic Australia road trips – and go see something you never have before! Take some weed too. It’s a long fucking drive.

Updated: February 2020 by Ziggy Samuels at Zigz Writes Things .

And for transparency’s sake, please know that some of the links in our content are affiliate links . That means that if you book your accommodation, buy your gear, or sort your insurance through our link, we earn a small commission (at no extra cost to you). That said, we only link to the gear we trust and never recommend services we don’t believe are up to scratch. Again, thank you!

Aiden Freeborn

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10 of the best road trips in Australia

Nov 27, 2023 • 8 min read

From short scenic drives to epic countrywide journeys, here are the best road trips in Australia © John W Banagan / Getty Images

Australia is a country designed for road trips, with a diversity of landscapes and a scale that’s almost unrivaled anywhere in the world. 

Whether you want to squeeze in a day trip or pack up and go wherever the wind takes you, these driving routes won’t disappoint. Here are 10 of our favorite road trips in Australia .

1. Nullarbor Plain, South Australia

Drive the world's longest golf course Ceduna–Norseman 1200km (745 miles), allow two days

Arid, remote and stretching to the horizon, the treeless Nullarbor Plain is the stuff of road-trip legend: it’s the longest, straightest and flattest road in the country. While most believe that the journey along the Eyre Highway is only broken by the occasional roadhouse, there are some unexpected surprises along the way. For example, it’s home to the  Nullarbor Links , the world’s longest golf course. The 18-hole course spans 1365km (848 miles), with one hole in each participating town or roadhouse along the way. A scorecard is available for a nominal fee, which goes towards the upkeep of the course.

2. The Great Ocean Road, Victoria

The best road trip for epic coastal views Torquay–Allansford, 243km (150 miles); allow two to three days

Follow the wild southern coastline of Australia’s best scenic road trip: the Great Ocean Road . Start at the legendary surf town of Torquay, explore welcoming country towns like Lorne, and keep an eye out for koalas in Otway National Park, before taking in the iconic  Twelve Apostles . These are the main drawcard for photographers on this stretch of road, with just eight of these limestone stacks left standing sentinel along what’s also known as the Shipwreck Coast. 

While the Great Ocean Road can be tackled in a day, it’s best to stretch it over several. This will allow you ample time to stop for seafood in towns along the way (such as Apollo Bay, which hosts an annual seafood festival) and hike coastal trails found just off the highway.  

Planning tip: The weather is highly changeable along Victorian coastlines, so make sure you’re prepared for all seasons. If you’re behind the wheel, be mindful the roads are slippery when wet.

3. Grand Pacific Drive, New South Wales

The ultimate scenic day trip from Sydney Royal National Park, Sydney–Shoalhaven, 140km (86 miles), allow one day

The Grand Pacific Drive is the perfect day trip from Sydney . First, wind south through the eucalyptus forests of the Royal National Park . After crossing the weir at Audley, stop for a break at the Stanwell Tops cliffs, a popular hang-gliding spot and an excellent vantage point to watch whales between May and October.

Then, turn onto Lawrence Hargrave Drive. With both lanes suspended above the ocean, it’s easy to see why this stunning spot has played a starring role in numerous car commercials and photoshoots. You’ll then continue past clifftop pubs, small coastal villages, swimming beaches and rock pools, before arriving at the  Kiama blowhole . Finish your day with a walk around the harbor at Shoalhaven.

Detour: Budget enough time for a swim at secluded Wattamolla Beach in the Royal National Park, where you’ll find a cascading waterfall and a calm seaside lagoon.

4. The Coral Coast Highway, Western Australia

The best road trip for marine wildlife Perth–Exmouth, 1250km (776 miles), allow two weeks

Leave the city behind and head north along Western Australia’s Coral Coast, with the Indian Ocean to your left and red outback scenes on your right. This is a road trip for visitors with time to spare, with countless worthwhile stops along the way.

The first is the otherworldly Pinnacles Desert in Nambung National Park , where hundreds of limestone formations rise from the ground. Further north up the coast, you can watch dolphins approach the shoreline at  Monkey Mia in Shark Bay. And along the way, you can camp at traditional outback stations or farms, where living and working on the land is a way of life. 

The highlight of this drive, though, might be its final destination: Ningaloo Reef near Exmouth , which offers some of the country’s best snorkeling and diving, including alongside whale sharks and humpback whales. 

Planning tip: This is one drive you won’t want to see end. Fortunately, if time permits, you can continue your journey further north up the Pilbara Coast to Broome .

5. Hobart to Bruny Island, Tasmania

The best road trip for foodies Hobart–Bruny Island, 100km (62 miles), one day

Located a short drive southwest from Hobart , Bruny Island is one of Australia’s most mouthwatering foodie destinations. Wear your stretchy pants, as you’ll pass dozens of local producers on this day trip. 

Take the car ferry at Kittering to the north of the island and follow your stomach to feast on freshly shucked oysters, handmade cheese and local whisky direct from the producers at farm gates and cellar doors across the island. Cross the narrow isthmus known as  the Neck – which connects north and south Bruny – and finish your trip with a tour of Bruny Island’s 19th-century lighthouse .

Planning tip: Set out from Hobart early, as the line for the ferry can be long on weekends and public holidays.

6. Great Barrier Reef Drive, Queensland

The best drive for getting back to nature Cairns–Cape Tribulation, 140km (86 miles), allow at least two days

The world’s oldest rainforest, at roughly 150 million years old, the Daintree is one of the most biodiverse places on earth, with incredible species such as cassowaries (giant colorful flightless birds) and tree kangaroos hidden beneath its canopy. It’s also significant in that it borders another UNESCO World Heritage site: the Great Barrier Reef .

You can explore both rainforest and reef on this drive into Queensland ’s Wet Tropics. Head north from Cairns , stopping along the way in the resort towns of Port Douglas and get ready to dive in – its marina is one of the main departure points for trips to the outer reef. Along the way, detour to explore the Daintree’s Mossman Gorge , where Indigenous Kuku Yalanji guides will demonstrate traditional use of plants beside the crystal clear Mossman River. Finally, cross the Daintree River on a car ferry to Cape Tribulation , an off-grid eco haven. 

Planning tip: The heat might be on and the water might look lovely, but only swim if in designated safe swimming areas – this is crocodile country.

7. Gibb River Road, Western Australia

Australia’s best 4WD adventure Derby–Kununurra, 660km (410 miles), allow 10–14 days.

Wild, unpredictable and remote, the Gibb River Road is pure outback adventure. Open from around May to September during the dry season, this 660km (410-mile) route follows corrugated (washboard) roads, dirt tracks and multiple river crossings, with challenging 4WD sections best left to experienced drivers. Shelter under endemic boab trees said to be over 1500 years old, hike to swim in the cascading natural pools at Mitchell Falls , and get to know the untamed wilderness of the Kimberley , one of northwestern Australia’s most intriguing and desolate regions.

Planning tip: Carry adequate supplies, including water, paper maps and fuel. If you break down, stay with your vehicle. If you’re not confident taking a self-drive visit, several tour operators exist in the region.

8. The Explorer’s Way: South Australia to the Northern Territory

Best long-distance drive Adelaide–Alice Springs, 1500km (932 miles), six days

Following a route originally mapped out in the late 19th century for the Overland Telegraph Line, the Explorer’s Way runs all the way from Adelaide to Darwin . However, you only need to drive a portion of it to understand what a truly enormous feat it was to map. Starting from the neatly manicured vineyards of Adelaide wine country, you’ll watch the landscape shift into the big red majesty of Australia’s outback.

Along the way to Alice Springs , explore Ikara-Flinders Ranges National Park , beat the heat by staying in underground accommodation in Coober Pedy – famous for its opal mining – and hit up Uluru and Kings Canyon. As you drive, keep an eye out for feral camels; they’re descendants of the ones first used by Afghan cameleers to help chart the path and transport supplies. 

Detour: Don’t miss the pink-hued waters of Lake Bumbunga, north of Adelaide. Its unique color – caused by algae – varies depending on the water’s salinity. It typically has its best Barbie moments in the spring and autumn.

9. Red Centre Way, Northern Territory

Best journey into the the heart of Australia Alice Springs–Alice Springs, 700km (434 miles), six days

This spectacular road trip hits up some of the same spots as the Explorer’s Way, but is intended to be done at a more relaxed pace by looping round the Red Centre’s biggest attractions. Departing from Alice Springs, take a break to cool off in water holes at Tjoritja/West MacDonnell Ranges and climb to the rim of Kings Canyon in Watarrka National Park. 

The main attraction for most, though, will be Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park , where you can walk 10km (6 miles) around the base of the world’s most famous monolith and head to watch the sunset over the domes of nearby Kata Tjuta.

Planning tip: All of the major attractions along the Red Centre Way can be reached in a regular car, but if you plan to complete the full loop, you’ll need a high-clearance 4WD for the Mereenie section.

10. The Big Lap

The trip for those who want to see it all Over 14,000km (8700 miles), allow at least six months – or a lifetime

There’s no Australian road trip more iconic than National Highway 1, one of the longest highways in the world. Encircling the entire country and popular with backpackers and gray nomads, it’s known as “the Big Lap" – but the exact route and detours you take will depend on your budget , the time of year , your departure point and how much time you have to spare.

Generally, travelers head north in the winter and south in the summer, all in a bid to avoid the wet season. Following the sun will give you a crash course in long-distance car travel, where you’ll build camaraderie with your fellow travelers and see the incredible diversity Australia has to offer.

This article was first published September 2020 and updated November 2023

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Road trip Australia: 6 of the best routes

Book your individual trip , stress-free with local travel experts

• roughguides.com
• road-trip-australia

written by Ros Walford

updated 3.01.2019

Pack your stuff, throw it in a camper van along with a surfboard and don’t look back… This might be an old cliché but it’s one for good reason: Australia really is one of the best places on Earth for a road trip.

1. Coastal views on the Great Ocean Road

2. adventure along the way from perth to exmouth, 3. the home strait on the nullarbor plain, 4. the blissful beaches of fraser island.

• 5. Wineries along Tasmania’s Great Eastern Drive

6. Exploring Victoria along the Great Alpine Road

Whether you’re living the dream in your camper van, or making do with a less romantic form of transport, Australia’s well-kept, open roads beckon and will lead you through astonishing landscapes. There are many great road trips in Australia, but here are our favourites.

Tailor-made travel itineraries for Australia, created by local experts

12 days  / from 2900 USD

Explore Western Australia from Perth to Broome

Western Australia is the country's largest state, covering more than a third of Australia. This self drive itinerary allows you to explore sunny Perth, stunning national parks and waterfalls, the remote wild west outback, empty beaches and much more.

16 days  / from 3300 USD

Explore South Australia and the Northern Territory

Explore South Australia and the Northern Territory on this self-drive adventure. Start in Adelaide and make your way over the Ayers Rock, Kings Canyon, and Alice Springs to the Kakadu National Park and ultimately Darwin.

23 days  / from 4150 USD

Cross Western Australia to Darwin

Western Australia offers wonderfully remote outback experiences: from spectacular national parks to sandy deserts, pristine beaches to working cattle stations. This itinerary allows you to explore the way from Perth to Darwin in depth and at your own pace, in your own rental car.

14 days  / from 10070 USD

Classic Australia - Sydney, Melbourne and Gold Coast

Explore the best of Australia's cities and nature! From Sydney and Melbourne's urban charm to the scenic wonders of the Great Ocean Road, Cairns' reef adventures, to the lush rainforests of Kuranda. End with nature's embrace at Burleigh Head and Lamington National Parks on the Gold Coast.

10 days  / from 6900 USD

The Best of Australia

Discover Australia's allure through this tour! You'll witness Sydney's iconic landmarks and explore the beauty of the Blue Mountains. Dive into Cairns' reef and rainforest wonders before marveling at the breathtaking beauty of the Great Ocean Road in Melbourne.

Staggering ocean views and easy access from Melbourne make this one of Australia’s best-loved road trips. Pack an overnight bag and follow the dramatic coastline, stopping to view a series of coastal rock formations, holding their ground in the surf.

The magnificent Twelve Apostles – eight giant sea stacks – appear otherworldly at sunset, guarding the limestone cliffs. Among the other rocky highlights include London Bridge arch, the Bay of Islands and Loch Ard Gorge.

At Bells Beach, grab a wetsuit and do your best Keanu Reeves’ impression. This was the famous surf setting for his film Point Break , but it was actually filmed in California.

If you’re not a surfer you can hike in Great Otway National Park, say hello to the koalas at Kennett River or kayak out into Apollo Bay to observe a seal colony. Otherwise, take it easy at a beach restaurant in the seaside town of Lorne.

Best for: Weekenders seeking surf and sea stacks.

How long: 2 days.

Need to know: Starts at Torquay, a 1.5-hour drive from Melbourne, and ends at Warrnambool.

© Photoholgic/Shutterstock

Driving north from Perth, you may expect nothing of the Outback landscape but scorched earth and straight roads all the way up the west coast. While these certainly exist, a road trip here is also punctuated with remarkable geological features, some of the best beaches in Australia and kangaroos hopping alongside your camper van.

First, a bit of fun at Lancelin where you can go sand boarding in the dunes or off-roading in a truck-sized 4x4. Then on to the Pinnacles Desert where bizarre pillars protrude from the desert like ancient monoliths.

In Kalbarri National Park, see Nature’s Window and the Z-Bend Lookout, abseil Murchison Gorge and ride on horseback around the scenic estuary at Big River Ranch.

A five-hour drive north brings you to Shark Bay, home of weird stromatolites – the oldest fossils on Earth – and the brilliant-white Shell Beach. Stop at Monkey Mia to meet the dolphins before heading on to Coral Bay, where another pristine white beach greets you. From here you can wade out 50m to the Ningaloo Reef – the second-largest reef in Australia – to snorkel with dazzling fish, turtles, reef sharks and whale sharks.

Best for: Desert adventurers.

How long: 5 days.

Need to know: To extend the trip, keep going all the way to Broome, via Karijini National Park.

© Cloudsrest Images/Shutterstock

The Nullabor is not for the faint-hearted. The mesmerising Eyre Highway runs through a vast, treeless plain, from Port Augusta in South Australia to Norseman in Western Australia .

With an almost 150km stretch that’s the world’s longest straight road, it’s no surprise that it’s known as “Nullaboring”. But many travellers love it for the beauty of the desert and the on-the-road camaraderie. There’s a strong sense of community at the roadhouses, which appear roughly every 200km – with nothing in between.

Venture away from the main road to see some of South Australia’s geological highlights, including Pildappa Rock – a 100m-long wave of red sandstone – or the peculiar rocks at Ucontitchie Hill and Murphy's Hay Stacks.

From Denial Bay, the Eyre Highway clings to the coast all the way to Western Australia. At the Head of Bight, you’ve a good chance of spotting Southern Right Whales between June and October. Then there are the empty beaches, towering cliffs, the magnificent blow-holes – and the oddities... Eucla features the ghostly remains of a telegraph station protruding from the encroaching dunes, while Balladonia (population: 9) commemorates the spot where the Skylab space station fell to Earth in 1979.

Best for: Adventurers up for trying anything, loners and Nullarbor addicts.

How long: 7–10 days.

Need to know: Be prepared with a serviced car, and enough food and water to last between roadhouses. Daytime temperatures can reach 50°C and nights can be freezing. Be careful of wildlife and passing road-trains.

Animal warning signs along the Nullarbor Plain © UnkbownLatitude Images/Shutterstock

If there’s one side trip on the east coast you mustn’t miss, it’s Fraser Island , a 123-km World-Heritage-listed sand island. Here, off-roaders may roam but the dingo is king.

The beach that runs the full length of the island functions as the main highway and an airstrip for small planes, so keep an eye on the air too while you bomb along the strand. Halfway down the beach, you can’t fail to notice the eerie remains of the shipwrecked SS Maheno appearing silhouetted against the raging surf.

Take a side road into the interior and suddenly you’re in another world – specifically, you’re in a subtropical rainforest growing on 200m-high sand dunes. Stop for a swim in the sparklingly clear Lake McKenzie, one of forty freshwater lakes perched high on the dunes. It’s like nowhere else on Earth.

You can pitch your tent at any of the 35 designated grounds – just you, the campfire, the rumble of surf and the sense of beady canine eyes watching from the darkness.

Best for: Beach bums who tidy up after themselves.

Need to know: Arrange your trip at Hervey Bay, where you can hire 4X4 and buy vehicle access permits.

Related articles from the blog

5. Wineries along Tasmania ’s Great Eastern Drive

Drive northeast from the capital Hobart to start the Great Eastern Drive at Orford. You can catch a ferry from Triabunna to Maria Island National Park and spend the day hiking, wildlife watching and visiting the World-Heritage-listed Darlington Probation Station, a kind of reform school for convicts in the nineteenth century.

Back on the coast road, the views over Great Oyster Bay are overwhelming. Recover in Swansea with a plate of seafood washed down with a glass of wine from the East Coast Wine Trail .

Don’t drink it all at once; you’ll be passing the vineyards on the next leg to the Freycinet Peninsula. This is one of Australia’s top beauty spots, not least Wineglass Bay, a perfect curve of sand around an azure bay, best seen from a lookout after a steep hike.

They say the devil is in the detail, but here it’s actually in Bicheno. If Tasmanian devils are on your must-see list, then plan a visit to the Natureworld Wildlife Sanctuary.

From Bicheno, the Surf Coast leads you to Scamander, beyond which lie Binalong Bay and the heavenly Bay of Fires . Despite the rusty orange glow from the lichen-coated boulders, there’s not a devil in sight on these pristine beaches.

Best for: Hikers who enjoy devilishly good scenery.

How long: 3 days.

Need to know: You can drive the whole route in a day, but you’ll want to take a few days. The Great Eastern Drive can easily be incorporated into a loop around the whole island state.

Wineglass Bay Freycinet, Tasmania @ Shutterstock

This mountain road crosses one of Australia’s main ski regions and some of the highest altitudes in the country, which just scrape above 2000m – so don’t expect anything too extreme.

Nonetheless, it’s a beautiful drive through a gentle region, a world away from Victoria’s lawless past. From Wangarratta, the road passes vineyards and farmland as far as the pretty town of Bright.

But take a short detour and you’ll reach Beechworth and Glenrowan, land of the nineteenth-century outlaw Ned Kelly, where you can learn about the life of this national folk hero.

Back on the Great Alpine Road, continue to Mount Buffalo National Park and climb its granite tors or explore on horseback, like Ned himself would have done. As you cross the Ovens River Valley, snowy peaks come into view.

Beyond Harrietville, the road gets tougher, as it winds steeply up through snow gum forests to Mount Hotham, Victoria's highest alpine resort. This is a starker landscape with deep valleys and panoramas across the Australian Alps. It’s well worth hiking the Razorback Trail to the summit of Mount Feathertop, Victoria’s second-highest mountain.

After this, the road descends to Dinner Plain and on to historic Omeo, a former gold-mining town. Then down through forests at Tambo to Metung, the Gippsland lakes and the ocean beyond.

Best for: Mountain-lovers, who don’t mind that Australia’s alps are somewhat vertically-challenged.

How long: 1 day.

Need to know: If you drive from Melbourne, take the M31 to Wangaratta, and on the coastal journey back, stop at Wilson’s Promontory and Phillip Island.

View of the coastline at Nobbies Centre in Phillip Island, Victoria, Australia © Javen/Shutterstock

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10 Awesome Australian Road Trips (For Your World Travel Bucket List)

Disclaimer: This post may contain affiliate links. All hosted affiliate links follow our editorial policies .

As a native of Tasmania who has traveled the country extensively, I’d argue that Australian road trips rank among the best in  the world.

Though I may be prejudiced, I think my homeland truly has it all.

There are jaw-dropping natural landscapes, some of the world’s most liveable cities, and minimal road traffic outside of the few major metropolitan areas.

Whether you seek weird and wonderful wildlife, photogenic landscapes, charming historical towns, or simply the wind in your hair, there are a wide range of epic road trips in Australia that will leave you never wanting to stop exploring.

So let’s dive into some of the country’s most iconic scenic road trips, highlighting each drive’s main attractions along with some helpful insider tips.

• The Great Ocean Road (Victoria)
• Tasmania’s East Coast
• Adelaide to Darwin (Australia’s center through the Outback)
• Darwin-Kakadu Loop (Northern Territory)
• The Great Tropical Drive (Queensland)
• Gibb River Road (Outback Adventure)
• Sydney to Brisbane a.k.a Pacific Coast Drive
• Tarkine Drive (Tasmania’s Wilderness)
• Kangaroo Island

THE GREAT OCEAN ROAD

The Great Ocean Road is not only Australia’s most notable drive, but also one of the most popular, scenic, and beloved touring routes in the world.

Stretching for over 150 miles along Victoria’s south coast, the route provides visitors with breathtaking ocean views around every bend.

Hugging the coast for pretty much the entire way from Torquay to Warrnambool, the Great Ocean Road provides incredible natural attractions, wildlife , and seaside towns. Here’s a look at a few of the major highlights along the way:

Your Great Ocean Road journey begins in Torquay, home to one of Australia’s finest surfing beaches. Bells Beach is where the pros come to surf, and Torquay is the birthplace of famous surf brands such as Rip Curl and Quicksilver. Enjoy catching a wave yourself, or simply watch the pro surfers hang ten from the cliff-top car park.

Twelve Apostles

The star attraction of the Great Ocean Road is the Twelve Apostles. This geological attraction consists of a group of limestone monoliths (which were caused by erosion) rising out of the ocean. Despite the attraction’s name, there were originally only nine stacks. The number now stands at eight, since a 160-foot stack recently fell. Have your camera ready in case another one topples, but photographing them just as they are is equally remarkable.

Great Otway National Park

In Great Otway National Park , rugged coastline meets lush rainforest. Here you can see stunning Triplet Falls, or marvel at the glow worms of Melba Gully. The Great Ocean Walk, which extends over 100km from Apollo Bay to the Twelve Apostles, passes through the park (bikes and horses are also permitted). The park is listed as an Important Bird Area and offers several campsites. It’s also ranked among Australia’s best National Parks .

Located in the heart of the GOR,  you’ll find the wildlife-rich area of Apollo Bay. Here you can search for Koalas among the gum trees in the nearby Kennett River Area, or enjoy a guided kayak tour among countless Australian Fur Seals. The area is home to lovely restaurants, cafes, museums, and beaches.

Warrnambool

Finnish your GOR trip in Warrnambool, where you’ll be rewarded with the sight of Southern Right Whales, who return to the waters off Warrnambool’s Logans Beach each year to calve. Take a side trip to Tower Hill Wildlife Reserve for guided and self-guided tours to spot Emus, Kangaroos, and Echidnas inside an enormous volcanic crater.

Insider Tips • A great place to spot Koalas in Kennett River is off of Grey River Road. Scan the gum trees carefully: Koalas don’t make much movement during the day, as they are constantly at rest. • As hard as it may be, make sure to keep your eyes on the road. The route is narrow, has many twists and turns, and may be slippery at times. • Watch your speed, since the speed limit changes frequently along the GOR. This will help ensure the safety of the local wildlife. • Take your time and spread the drive over several days in order to truly appreciate the incredible scenery.

READ MORE: The World’s Best Road Trips (World Travel Bucket List)

TASMANIA’S EAST COAST

Tasmania, Australia’s island state, offers incredible landscapes that are filled with an array of native fauna (and not many people). The island’s east coast offers one of Australia’s best road trips, rich with history and the finest beaches. Begin in Hobart and make your way north along the east coast to Launceston (or vice versa) to experience some of Tasmania’s greatest attractions.

Port Arthur

This 19 th  century Australian penal colony-turned-open air museum is one of Tasmania’s main attractions. Explore more than 30 restored buildings and ruins, including the penitentiary, flour mill, Commandant’s House, and the Isle of the Dead cemetery. While in the area you’ll also want to check out natural attractions such as the Tasman Arch, Devils Kitchen, and the Tessellated Pavement.

Maria Island

Offering both wildlife and historical ruins, this island lies in the Tasman Sea and is reached by ferry service from the town of Triabunna. The island is part of  Maria Island National Park , which is home to 11 of the state’s 12 endemic bird species as well as Wombats, Kangaroos, and the famous  Tasmanian Devils . A visit to the Painted Cliffs is an absolute must, and camping overnight will allow you to explore the island in greater depth.

Freycinet National Park

Freycinet National Park  occupies the Freycinet Peninsula, and is home to one of Tasmania’s most photographed landscapes, Wineglass Bay. Enjoy hiking trails to white sand beaches, which are surrounded by granite peaks and home to beautiful birds such as the Sea Eagles. The park offers basic camping sites as well as luxury eco-lodge accommodation options.

Bay of Fires

Stretching roughly 50km along the northern east coast, the Bay of Fires offers one of Australia’s most scenic coastal landscapes. Visitors can enjoy extremely crystal-clear waters and pure white sand beaches. Named for the aboriginal campfires spotted by early explorers, the area is also ablaze with fiery orange lichen-covered boulders.

Insider Tips • Be sure to check out Hobart, the state’s capital. There you will find the iconic Salamanca Markets, which are held each Saturday and feature hundreds of arts, crafts, and food stalls. • Plan to get to Port Arthur early if you want to beat the crowds. Pre-purchasing tickets online will save time when you arrive. Those tickets are good for two consecutive days, so take your time exploring. Be sure to bring comfortable footwear, sunscreen, and clothing for the weather , as most of the tour is outdoors. • Tasmania becomes very popular during the summer season , which is December through March in the southern hemisphere. So booking accommodations and car rental early is vital. Many campsites either book out far in advance or are on a lottery system, which is held much earlier in the year.

READ MORE:  Tasmanian Devil Conservation on Maria Island, Australia

ADELAIDE TO DARWIN

Cutting through the center of the continent, you’ll find an incredible Australian road trip that takes you through the heart of the iconic Outback. Since it is a solid 30-plus hour drive through vast expanses of desert landscape, you’ll probably want to take several days to a week in order to experience all the gorgeous scenery along the way.

Home to nearly 75% of southern Australia’s population, Adelaide is still far less busy than Sydney or Melbourne. The city boasts an impressive range of museums, cafes, fine dining restaurants, gardens, and great festivals throughout the year. It’s centrally located to explore famous Australian wine regions such as Barossa Valley, McLaren Vale, and Clare Valley.

Coober Pedy

Coober Pedy is the world-renowned town that lies mostly below ground due to the extremely hot summer temperatures. It’s been used as the set for various movies, including Mad Max. Popular activities there include   shopping or fossicking (Australian slang for searching) for Australian opals or staying in an underground hotel.

Uluru  is without a doubt Australia’s most famous natural landmark. Held sacred by the indigenous Pitjantjatjara Anangu people, Uluru is a large sandstone rock rising nearly 350 meters above the Outback. It’s best viewed at sunset or sunrise, when it turns a fiery red color. As darkness falls, you can enjoy a star-filled sky far removed from any light pollution. The area is home to a surprisingly great diversity of flora and fauna, including the adorable lizard known as the Thorny Devil. Sadly, Uluru is currently facing the threat of mass tourism .

Alice Springs

Located halfway between Adelaide and Darwin, the town of Alice Springs is the gateway to exploring Australia’s Red Centre. Explore the area’s wildlife with a visit to the Desert Park , Reptile Centre, or Kangaroo Sanctuary. Natural attractions in this area include the Larapinta Trail, Ormiston Gorge, and West MacDonnell National Park.

Insider Tips • The famous passenger train known as The Ghan follows the same basic route and offers a luxurious return option instead of driving. But it is just a brief overview of what the area has to offer. • Climbing Uluru is currently allowed, but it is  strongly discouraged out of respect for the local Aboriginal people. After October 26, 2019, the climb will officially be closed to the public (hopefully for good). • Be sure to visit the equally impressive Kata Tjuṯa rock formations, which are also known as the Olgas. They consist of 36 orange-colored domes: Mount Olga towers over Uluru at 3,500 feet.

READ MORE:   The 25 Biggest Deserts in the World

THE DARWIN-KAKADU LOOP

This awesome road trip offers visitors a chance to explore the Australian region made famous by Crocodile Dundee . A drive through the Top End of Australia’s Northern Territory provides refreshing waterholes, Aboriginal rock art sites, and, of course, Saltwater Crocodiles.

Kakadu National Park

Kakadu is Australia’s largest national park, filled with one-third of Australia’s bird species as well as a wealth of mammals and reptiles. Take a scenic flight over Kakadu’s Jim Jim Falls and  Twin Falls for a bird’s eye view, or swim beneath them to cool off. Cruise the wetlands and billabongs in search of massive crocodiles and wading birds such as the black-necked stork. You can also see Aboriginal rock art dating back more than 20,000 years.

Litchfield National Park

In this national park you can walk amongst termite mounds the size of basketball players as you make your way to the numerous waterfalls Litchfield is known for. History buffs will want to visit the Bamboo Creek Tin Mine. You can also learn about the lives of Australian pioneers by visiting the Blyth Homestead, which dates back to the 1920s.

Named after the famed naturalist (who sailed there in 1839), Darwin is the capital of Australia’s Northern Territory. Popular activities there include taking a sunset harbour cruise, watching a movie in an open air cinema, or swimming with a massive crocodile at Crocosaurus Cove. Head to the Nightcliff Foreshore for a wide array of outdoor recreation opportunities, food vans, and stunning sea views.

Insider Tips • Crocodiles can be found in nearly every river and waterhole in this area. So always be cautious when swimming, even if Crocodile warning signs are not present. Also, carry plenty of water and bug repellent. • Car rentals in the Northern Territory usually have mileage limits and may not be allowed on unsealed roads. Road-tripping in camper vans and camper trailers  are becoming increasingly popular. •If you dislike crowds, avoid Kakadu from June to August. This is peak tourist season, as it falls within Australian school holidays. April to June will provide smaller crowds with pleasant weather and running waterfalls.

READ MORE:   Top 10 Australian National Parks

 THE GREAT TROPICAL DRIVE

With over two dozen different driving routes, Queensland’s Great Tropical Drive allows you to explore some of Australia’s most incredible destinations. From the Daintree Rainforest and access to the Great Barrier Reef, this is a great region for nature lovers to explore. You can stay in beautiful seaside cities and witness rare and endangered wildlife all along the way.

Daintree Rainforest

Witness the world’s oldest rainforest, which is filled with strange animals that are found nowhere else on earth.  These include large Cassowaries, Tree Kangaroos, Ulysses Butterflies, and Boyd’s Forest Dragons. Then head north towards Cape Tribulation, where the rainforest meets the Great Barrier Reef. Your drive will also include an exciting ferry across the Daintree River, where you may spot Crocodiles as you go.

Great Barrier Reef

Easily accessed as a day trip from Cairns and Port Douglas, the Great Barrier Reef is the world’s largest coral reef system, stretching some 2,000 kilometres along the Queensland coastline. Despite coral bleaching, it remains one of the world’s best places to SCUBA dive .It’s home to 30 different species of cetaceans, over 1,600 species of fish, 3,000 species of mollusk, and around 125 species of sharks and stingrays. You can also explore your choice of over 900 islands, including Hamilton, Fitzroy, and Lizard Island.

Cairns, Port Douglas, & Townsville

All three of these cities offer a wide variety of attractions, including museums, sanctuaries, tropical beaches, and more. From here you can access the Great Barrier Reef, take a day trip to the Atherton Tablelands, or hop aboard the Kuranda Scenic Railway.

Insider Tips • Head to Mission Beach if you really want to see a wild Cassowary, as they are a common sight here. • Many cities in the area offer a wide range of apartments where you can have your own full kitchen, laundry facilities, and scenic balconies. • Coral bleaching in the Great Barrier Reef Park was extensive, but 85% of that damage happened on a single 370-mile section. Most tour operators will take you to snorkel/dive more pristine sections.

READ MORE : The 10 Most Beautiful Forests in the World

GIBB RIVER ROAD

For a truly wild Outback adventure, take on the 670km 4WD track that stretches from Wyndham to Derby in Western Australia . Many side roads and even parts of the main road are rugged, with dirt and gravel rather than tarmac. But many improvements have been made in recent years, so you don’t need to have years of 4WD experience to tackle the route.

Windjana Gorge National Park

Windjana Gorge National Park is often touted as the best place in the world to see Freshwater Crocodiles in the wild. Located in the Kimberley region, the park also offers a 100-meter wide gorge with towering cliffs. Visitors can enjoy incredible camping opportunities , but please be aware that access may be restricted during the wet season.

Other Gorges

Driving the Gibb River Road provides access to numerous gorgeous gorges and wonderful waterfalls. The most notable ones are Lennard Gorge, Bell Gorge, Tunnel Creek, and Manning Gorge & Falls. Access to the gorges is usually prohibited during the wet season.

Insider Tips •Travel in this region is restricted to the dry season (April-October), and 2WD is not recommended until well after the wet season due to water on roads. •Although a 4WD vehicle is highly recommended, you can access many of the main attractions in a 2WD vehicle during the peak of the dry season. Always carry spare tires, petrol, and water, just in case!

READ MORE: Top 5 Australia Ecotourism Attractions

SYDNEY TO BRISBANE

This scenic 920-kilometer drive along the Pacific coast includes Australia’s most famous city, with its iconic landmarks, as well as luxury seaside resorts and theme parks. It’s more commonly known as the Pacific Coast Drive, and offers a continuous line of picturesque beaches, national parks, and loveable cities.

Home of the world-famous Opera House and the iconic Harbour Bridge, Sydney is Australia’s largest city. So naturally there’s no shortage of attractions worth exploring, including Darling Harbour, Bondi Beach, and the Taronga Zoo.

Brisbane & Gold Coast

This area is considered the sort of like the Orlando of Australia, including theme parks such as Sea World, Movie World, and Dreamworld. But ecotourism aficionados can also explore beautiful natural attractions such as Springbrook National Park and Lamington National Park by day, and then return to luxurious oceanside resorts by night.

Newcastle, Port Macquarie & Coffs Harbour

There is no shortage of gorgeous cities along the Pacific Coast Drive. Each of them offers a mixture of educational museums, zoos, botanical gardens, lighthouses, surf beaches, and national parks. The highlights include walking along Newcastle’s Nobbys Beach, checking out Coffs Harbour’s Forest Sky Pier, and visiting Port Macquarie’s Tacking Point Lighthouse.

Insider Tips • For adventurous souls seeking an incredible aerial view of Sydney, experience the Sydney Harbour Bridge Climb or the Sydney Tower Eye Skywalk. • Oenophiles will want to take a brief detour from the coast in order to see the world famous Hunter Valley Wine Region.

READ MORE: What Is Ecotourism? History & Principles of Responsible Travel

TARKINE DRIVE

Tarkine Drive is a circular route beginning and ending in Stanley or Smithton, which provides access to Tasmania’s true, rugged wilderness. Along the way, you’ll pass through the Australia’s largest patch of temperate rainforest, mountain ranges, rushing rivers, cool caves, and the  craggy western coastline.

Arthur River

Arthur River makes for a great entrance point to coastal walks and forest exploration. Experience the massive waves brought on by the “roaring forties” as they batter the coastline at the Edge of the World, Gardiner Point.

Hiking & Wildlife

The Tarkine is home to some of Australia’s rarest animals , some of which no longer found on the mainland. Search for Tasmanian Devils, Platypus, Echidnas, Wombats, Bandicoots, Quolls, and the extremely rare Orange-bellied Parrot. Numerous hiking trails lead to lookouts, waterfalls, Aboriginal sites, and the picturesque coast.

Insider Tips • Although the Thylacine or Tasmanian tiger has long been considered extinct, they are rumored to possibly still exist in this remote stretch wilderness, which has suitable habitat. • Take a detour south to Corinna Wilderness Retreat for some incredible kayaking and cruises on the Pieman River.

READ MORE:  Tasmanian Devil (Endangered Species Spotlight)

KANGAROO ISLAND

Kangaroo Island is known as the Galapagos Islands of Australia. Access to this wildlife-rich area is available via ferry from Cape Jervis on South Australia’s Fleurieu Peninsula. The island has a large population of Koalas as well as a host of endemic plants found nowhere else. Other rare wildlife found there includes the Glossy Black Cockatoo and Rosenberg’s Goanna.

Flinders Chase National Park

Flinders Chase National Park is located at the western end of of he island. Visitors can enjoy the sight of the beautiful Cape du Couedic Lighthouse as they walk along many hiking trails, including the Platypus Waterholes Walk and the Heritage Walk. Check out the seal colony near Admirals Arch, and the truly and aptly named Remarkable Rocks.

Seal Bay Conservation Park

Located on the southern coast of Kangaroo Island, this park is home to the third largest Sea Lion colony in Australia. Access to the beach where you’ll find the large breeding colony is limited to ranger-led beach tours for their protection. If you don’t care about seeing them up close, you can simply view them from the boardwalk. Tours are held daily, and the visitor center provides further insight into the life of the Sea Lions.

Insider Tips • Get a chance to see Penguins via a night tour of the colony located in Penneshaw, just as you depart the ferry on Kangaroo Island. • Be sure to check out Little Sahara, where you can sandboard down some seriously impressive dunes. • For conservation purposes, there are strict quarantine laws on the island. Be aware that things such as potatoes and honey are no-gos.

READ MORE: Wondrous Wildlife on Kangaroo Island, Australia

THE GRAMPIANS

This excellent Australian road trip takes you through Grampians National Park , which includes sandstone mountain ranges and rich Aboriginal history. Outdoor recreation seekers head to the Grampians for mountain biking, rock climbing, and numerous hiking trails. Scenic lookouts abound, with many easily reached by car. The circular route around the park is easily accessible from Melbourne or Adelaide.

Halls Gap is the main town that services travelers to the Grampians area, offering diverse accommodation options ranging from campsites to luxury 5-star retreats. Make sure to visit the Brambuk Cultural Center, which is owned and operated by Aboriginal people. There you can engage in activities such as boomerang throwing as well as learn about the indigenous culture through artifacts, talks, music, and dance.

MacKenzie Falls

A must-see while driving through the Grampians, this stunning waterfall flows all year long. It can be seen via a lookout point or by taking the lovely MacKenzie Falls Walk. Note that swimming beneath the falls is strictly prohibited.

Pinnacle & Reeds Lookouts

Make your way to the top of Pinnacle Lookout if you want to see the park’s impressive rock formations in detail, as well as Halls Gap below you. Access is available via the Sundial car park, the Wonderland car park, or (for the truly adventurous) from the base of the mountains.

Reeds Lookout is best accessed from Mt. Victory Road, and provides incredible sunset viewing over the Victoria Valley and Range. The lookout path is fully wheelchair accessible.

Insider Tips • You’ll find that wineries in the Grampians region produce incredible Shiraz and Riesling, so pop into a local cellar door for a tasting. • A visit during autumn will reveal vibrantly colored fall foliage that’s just begging to be photographed. • Be sure to check out the Grampians Grape Escape wine, food, and music festival , which is held every year in May. –Megan Jerrard

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Australia Trips & Tour Packages

With bright blue skies, immense red deserts, sun-bronzed beaches and vast green wetlands, Australia is big, bold and full of contrasts.

Come and experience this extraordinary country that bursts with kaleidoscopic cultures and constantly changing colors. From snorkeling with jewel-toned fish on the Great Barrier Reef and discovering the wildlife and wilderness of the west coast to walking through the World Heritage-listed Daintree Rainforest with an Aboriginal guide and exploring Uluru and nearby Kata Tjuta , an (Intrepid) in-depth Australia tour offers a little something for everyone. Whether you’re traveling as a family or a solo adventurer, a nature-lover or a sun worshipper, a food fanatic or a wine connoisseur, Australia can’t wait to welcome you. 

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Australia departures by month

Browse australia by region, tours & vacations by state, australia at a glance, capital city.

Canberra (population approximately 467,000)

Approximately 25.69 million

(GMT+10:00) Canberra, Melbourne, Sydney

CALLING CODE

Electricity.

Type I (Australian/New Zealand & Chinese/Argentine 2/3-pin)

Learn more about Australia

Best time to visit australia.

Being such a large place, Australia has a wide range of climates, so all year round, there is somewhere great to visit. 

Summer (December to February) can get very hot but is perfect for beach-going and other outdoor activities. In the far north, it is also the wet season, which can get quite humid, and some beaches may be closed due to jellyfish or 'stingers'.

Winter (June to August) is pleasant and dry in the north but can get quite cold in the south, especially in Tasmania and Victoria, where snowfall is common.

Spring and autumn are great times to visit Australia as the weather is milder but still warm enough for swimming in northern areas. 

Regardless of daytime temperatures, nights can get very cold in the desert areas of Central and Western Australia, so prepare accordingly.

The main school holiday period is from Christmas to late January and is considered the peak travel time within Australia; expect popular tourist spots to be crowded during this time.

Read more about the best time to visit Australia

From large malls and boutique shopping strips to weekend arts and crafts markets and vintage shops, Australia is a top place to shop. Shopping in Australia may not be cheap, but there are plenty of unique finds and original souvenirs to bring home. Before heading home, check with your local customs officials to ensure that you are able to import certain items back into your home country. New Zealand, for example, has strict quarantine laws.

Things to buy in Australia

1. First Nation art

The quality of Aboriginal art is excellent in the Top End and Central and Western Australia. Be sure to buy from reputable galleries and organizations to ensure authenticity and fair prices for artists. Community-run organizations are typically the better choice.

If you’re looking for one, Coober Pedy has the best quality and variety on offer.

These precious gems are plentiful in Broome due to the booming pearling industry.

4. Modern art

Melbourne and Hobart are modern art and craft hot spots, making them great places to pick up one-of-a-kind mementos.

Top 10 places to see in Australia

Nothing will prepare you for seeing Australia's most famous landmark for the first time. An important part of Aboriginal Dreamtime stories, this ancient monolith is a photographer's dream as it changes colors with the sun; from dazzling orange to dusty purple.

Combine First Nations' culture and the magnificence of Australia's desert wonders on a 6 day Red Centre & Uluru Explorer tour.

2. Great Barrier Reef

See the world's largest reef system - so big it can be seen from outer space! This World Heritage site, just off the coast of Queensland, is home to whales, dolphins, turtles, sharks, colorful coral and more than 1,500 species of fish. Go scuba diving or snorkeling to explore this incredible underwater world.

See the beauty of the reef and its residents on our 5 day Best of Cairns, Great Barrier Reef & Daintree tour.

3. Twelve Apostles

Although there are actually only eight 'Apostles', these spectacular limestone rock stacks are a popular tourist spot along Victoria's Great Ocean Road. Formed by erosion that began 10-20 million years ago, the stacks rise majestically from the churning Southern Ocean. Hit the boardwalks, tracks and viewing areas for spectacular views.

Set off on a Twelve Apostles journey when you 7 day Hike the Great Ocean Walk.

4. Kakadu National Park

This region is a place of breathtaking beauty and incredible biodiversity. Steeped in Dreamtime history, Kakadu nurtures a staggering variety of landscapes and wildlife. Venture deep into the wilderness and discover gushing waterfalls, deep gorges, shimmering waterholes and rocky outcrops adorned with 20,000-year-old art.

Combine the best of history, wildlife, culture and beauty while venturing through a 6 day Top End & Kakadu Explorer tour.

5. Sydney Opera House

Set against a backdrop of that famous bridge that spans the sparkling harbor, the Opera House is one of Australia's most iconic sights. Those familiar sails, adorned with more than a million white tiles, host thousands of events and performances each year. Catch a show to admire the ornate interior, or take in the spectacular view from a ferry.

Climb the Opera House steps or tour the harbour as you start an exciting 18 day East Coast Encompassed tour.

6. Kimberley

From deep gorges and dusty Outback roads and lush rainforests to idyllic billabongs, the landscape of this beautiful region is truly enchanting. A trip to the Kimberly can be as active or relaxing as you wish - hike past the strange 'beehive' domes of the Bungle Bungle Ranges, explore underground caves at Tunnel Creek or simply relax on white sand beaches.

Be swept away by the beauty of the Kimberley on a 11 day Wild Kimberley Overland tour.

7. Daintree

With verdant tropical rainforest stretching to white, sandy beaches, the Daintree is nothing short of spectacular. This complex ecosystem in Far North Queensland is home to a prolific amount of wildlife, including frogs, reptiles, bats and butterflies, as well as the highest concentration of primitive plant species in the world. Australia's largest rainforest is a true natural wonder just waiting to be explored.

Walk among the diverse ecosystems of the Daintree Rainforests while on our 5 day Queensland Daintree Explorer tour.

8. Wineglass Bay

With its white sand, crystal-clear water and distinct crescent shape, Wineglass Bay on Tasmania's gorgeous Freycinet Peninsula is a pristine paradise. It's easy to see why it's often voted as one of the top 10 beaches in the world! Hike a trail to the summit overlooking the bay for breathtaking views, or descend to the beach and set up camp. Go snorkeling to discover colorful fish and perhaps some playful dolphins.

Stroll by the waters of Wineglass Bay on a nature-lovers 6 day Tasmania Adventure tour.

9. Clare Valley

This beautiful wine-producing region is famed for its delicious local produce, picturesque scenery, friendly people and, of course, its fabulous wine. Explore back roads lined with vines and go wine tasting to sample the very best drops this region has to offer.

Cycle and sample your way through one of Australia's oldest wine regions on our 6 day Cycle South Australia's Wine Regions tour.

10. Blue Mountains

Covering over one million hectares, the World Heritage-listed Blue Mountains is rich in verdant rainforest, dramatic waterfalls, looming forests and an abundance of wildlife. Greet the iconic Three Sisters and wander the boardwalks to soak up this breathtaking area of Australian bush.

Walk, trek, and discover the beauty of the rugged New South Wales region home to the Blue Mountains on a 4 day Walk the Blue Mountains trek.

Top destinations to visit in Australia

1. ikara-flinders ranges national park.

Discover Ikara with an Adnyamathanha guide on a tour that shines a light on Adnyamathanha history, uncovers the park’s more recent past, and looks towards the future.

Wander through Ikara-Flinders Ranges National Park on our 7 day Flinders Ranges Explorer tour or on our 7 day Walk South Australia's Flinders Ranges tour .

2. Arnhem Land

Explore the rugged wilderness of Arnhem Land , where Australia’s First Nations people have lived for thousands of years. Share Dreamtime stories, learn how to gather local food and create traditional paintings.

Experience Arnhem Land for yourself on our 8 day Walk Kakadu National Park tour tour.

3. The West Coast

The West Coast of Australia certainly feels like the Final Frontier. Perhaps visit the red rock gorges of Karijini National Park, take in a camel ride on Cable Beach, or unwind among the vineyards of  Margaret River. 

Marvel at the beauty of the West Coast on our 8 day Hike Western Australia's Cape to Cape Track.

4. Tropical North Queensland

Join an Aboriginal painting class at Janbal Gallery and hear East Coast Kuku Yalanji Dreamtime stories about the animals, environment and language of the Indigenous rainforest people from Mossman and the Daintree rainforest.

Dive into Tropical North Queensland on our 7 day Queensland Coast Adventure or on our 8 day Brisbane to Cairns Adventure.

5. The Kimberley

While Broome could keep you occupied for days, it’s really the Kimberley’s natural beauty that lures you in. Away from the stretches of Cable Beach, you find a region that rapidly unrolls into a world of dense rainforest, underground caves and boab-dotted horizons straight out of Africa. 

Discover the beauty of the Kimberley's on our 5 day Kimberley Family Holiday.

Kakadu National Park is packed with billabongs, waterfalls, strange rock formations and all types of native wildlife. ‘Roos bounce through the bushland, dingoes are spotted along rocky outcrops, dugongs wallow off the coast, and, despite the name, crocs patrol the waters of Alligator River. 

Explore Kakadu National Park on our 8 day Walk Kakadu National Park tour or on our 4 day Kakadu, Katherine & Litchfield Adventure.

7. The Red Centre

Also known as Central Australia, the Red Centre is where Uluru rises from the landscape in all its beauty. But there’s far more to this region than the iconic rock of the Outback. Discover Kata Tjuta (The Olgas) and its 36 stunning red domes; Kings Canyon , with its natural amphitheater and the East and West MacDonnell Ranges.

Uncover the magic of the Red Centre on our 6 day Premium Red Centre & Uluru tour or on our 4 day Uluru & Kings Canyon Family Adventure.

8. The Outback

Experience the untamed beauty of Outback Australia, hear tales of the Aboriginal Dreaming with a First Nations guide, cross incredible scenery in a 4WD, and walk among a carpet of wildflowers in the Flinders Ranges. 

Explore the Outback on our 5 day Best of Uluru & Kings Canyon tour or on our 10 day West Coast & Karijini Overland Adventure.

9. K'gari (Fraser Island)

K'gari (Fraser Island) isn’t just the largest sand island in Queensland, it’s the largest one in the world. Explore the rugged headlands, silica sand beaches, lush rainforests hugging the shore and freshwater lakes that lay hidden throughout this World Heritage-listed island.  

Experience K'gari for yourself on our 14 day Sydney to Cairns Adventure.

10. Great Ocean Road

The Great Ocean Road is a winding coastal route of sandstone cliffs and dense rainforest hinterland that stretches all the way from Torquay in the East to Allansford in the West. While the region is famous for its Twelve Apostles, there are plenty of local secrets to be discovered if you’re willing to take the time.

Drive along the Great Ocean Road on our 6 day Great Ocean Road & Grampians Adventure.

11. Tasmania

This island state turns heads thanks to its thriving gallery and gastronomy scene, plus its bounty of natural wonders. Boasting some of Australia’s finest beaches, mistiest mountaintops, loneliest patches of wilderness and most elusive animals, Tasmania is a nature lover’s wonderland.

Discover Tasmania on our 6 day Highlights of Tasmania tour , on our 4 day Hobert & Southern Tasmania Explorer tour or on our 6 day Trek the Cradle Mountain Overland Track.

See the iconic Sydney Harbour Bridge and Opera House, take a dip at Bondi Beach, explore the historic Rocks area and discover everything this cosmopolitan city has to offer.

Marvel at Sydney's iconic sights on our 7 day Sydney to Brisbane Adventure.

13. South Australian outback

Explore the South Australian outback at Arkaroola Wilderness Sanctuary on a 4WD tour that takes in science, education and conservation and showcases this incredible and unique wilderness area.

Delve into the South Australian wilderness on our 10 day South Australia Outback Adventure or on our Outback South Australia & Eyre Peninsula tour .

14. The Great Barrier Reef

Be inspired by the beauty of the world’s largest coral reef – The Great Barrier Reef. Go snorkeling in the warm waters with exotic sea creatures and colorful coral.

Go swimming on our 12 day Brisbane to the Daintree Discovery.

15. The Daintree Rainforest

Explore the world's most ancient rainforest, the Daintree in Far North Queensland , with a local family who lives in a privately owned part of it.

Experience the serenity of the Daintree Rainforest on our 5 day Daintree Family Holiday or on our 8 day Daintree & Cape Tribulation Adventure.

Geography and environment

The continent of Australia is known for being one of the flattest, hottest, and driest places on earth, but despite this, there is an astounding variety of terrains and environments on this island nation. While large areas of Australia are covered in desert, there are also tropical rainforests, alpine snowfields, dense bushland, beaches, gorges, lakes, and rivers to be found.

Australia’s national parks are home to many species of birds and mammals not found in the wild anywhere else in the world, including kangaroos, koalas, wallabies, and wombats.

Boasting many stunning white sand beaches, Australia has a coastline like none other. From busy Bondi to surfing icons like Bell’s Beach and Tasmania’s stunning Wineglass Bay , there are endless places to swim, surf, snorkel and paddle. 

Despite Australia’s large landmass, most people tend to live in urban, coastal cities. Faster-paced cities like Sydney, Brisbane, Perth and Melbourne hold much of the population, as do regional satellite cities such as Albury, Dubbo, Bunbury, Townsville, Newcastle and Geelong.

Outback towns have a unique flavor and a distinct way of life; things are slower here, and due to smaller populations, space is plentiful, with most locals relying on agriculture for a living. Venturing away from the city to visit the Outback and rural areas of Australia is highly recommended, as it gives travelers the chance to see a different side of Australia. Traverse the northern regions of Australia's iconic outback landscape on a 11 day Darwin to Broome Outback tour.

Culture and customs

With a strong history of immigration, modern Australia is made up of people from many different cultural backgrounds. This mix makes Australia an endlessly fascinating place to visit, as travelers will be exposed to a variety of different customs and cultures during their stay. From the ancient, spiritual ways of the First Nations population to the wide array of faiths, foods, and festivals on display in the big cities, Australia is a cultural melting pot. 

Despite the differences, there are many things that unify the people of Australia. Sports, in particular cricket, soccer, and football (Australian Rules), are played and watched by the masses, irrespective of age, race, gender, or income. Large sporting events like the AFL Grand Final, Melbourne Cup Day, and the Boxing Day Cricket Test have universal appeal for Australians. 

Australians relish public holidays, with national and state holidays offering locals time to relax with friends and family over a barbecue or picnic. Making use of Australia’s natural environment is also paramount during this time, with outdoor activities like bushwalking, swimming at the beach, or lazing in the park popular with locals.

Eating and drinking

Intrepid believes that one of the best ways of experiencing a country is by eating! Whether you're sampling street food, savoring a cheap eat, or indulging in a banquet, there are endless options to choose from wherever you are in the world. 

Australia is a land that has been built by immigrants, and these multicultural influences are evident in the wide array of food available. In the cities, it’s possible to find world-class Vietnamese, Turkish, Italian, Greek, Chinese, Thai, Japanese, and Indian restaurants, as well as excellent gastro-pub fare. Head to the Outback, and you’ll find authentic ' bush tucker ', simple campfire meals, and sizzling barbecues.

Food to try in Australia

1. Fresh seafood

With such an impressive coastline, it’s no wonder fresh oysters, prawns, mussels, and ‘balmain bugs’ are devoured by locals and savored by visitors. For those on a budget, there’s nothing wrong with eating fish and chips on the beach.

Australia creates some of the best wines in the world at South Australia’s Barossa Valley , Western Australia’s Margaret River , and New South Wales’s Hunter Valley .

Whether you’re downing a can of VB in Victoria or sipping micro-brewed ale in Sydney, sharing a beer with mates is a social experience not to be missed when in Australia

4. Hot pies

An Australian classic – savory meat pies (or vegetable pies for vegetarians) are best eaten with tomato sauce and are easily found and served in city cafes, country bakeries, and football matches around Australia.

Read more about Australia's must-try foods

Festivals and events in Australia

Anxiously anticipated by many – the Australian Rules Football Grand Final is a great time to be in Melbourne. Tickets are notoriously scarce but pubs, clubs and backyards overflow with people watching the ‘Big Game’ and celebrating (or commiserating) afterwards.

Tasting Australia 

Feeling hungry? Tasting Australia is a food festival that takes place once a year throughout South Australia and showcases the culture, producers, and regions that make this state such a delicious destination to explore. 

Vivid Sydney

Vivid Sydney lights up the harbor city with a Festival of Ideas featuring inspirational speakers, performances by local and international artists, and light installations that transform buildings and cultural icons into colorful works of art. 

Margaret River Pro

See your favorite professional surfers at work against the backdrop of the beautiful Margaret River region in South Australia at the Margaret River Pro.

State of Origin

Turn your Brisbane, Perth or Sydney adventure up a notch by experiencing a State of Origin game. 

Cairns Ecofiesta

Switch your Cairns holiday to sustainable mode at Cairns Ecofiesta: an eco-conscious festival that celebrates and supports the environment through eco workshops, live music, local produce markets, and vegetarian food options. Suitable for the whole family, this festival aims to both encourage a sustainable lifestyle and leave you with plenty of eco-inspo so you can start your very own planet-protecting journey. 

Alice Springs Beanie Festival 

Celebrate the very best of Aboriginal talent, creativity, and skill at the Alice Springs Beanie Festival. Bursting with silly and colorful handmade beanies, this festival aims to encourage and appreciate the work of both Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal people with various textile workshops and demonstrations on sight to help you understand and learn how to make local arts and crafts. 

Barunga Festival

Barunga is a closed community in the Northern Territory that you usually need a permit to enter, but for three days they open up to the world to celebrate life in Katherine's remote Indigenous communities. With a jam-packed program featuring storytelling circles, art and bush medicine workshops, and some of Australia's best First Nations musicians, Barunga Festival is a wonderful opportunity to connect with the vibrant community.

Darwin Festival 

Promising to give you a real taste of the Northern Territory, the Darwin Festival brings together a myriad of performances, shows, concerts, and exhibitions for you to enjoy. From comedy shows to art galleries, this bubbling festival will have you wanting to come back again and again and again. 

Similar destinations

Inspired by Australia but still browsing? Why not check out these incredible destinations:

New Zealand

• New Zealand tours
• Should I travel to Australia or New Zealand?
• Canada tours
• The United Kingdom

Further reading

Australia travel faqs, do i need a covid-19 vaccine to join an intrepid trip.

Trips from 1 January 2023 onwards

From 1 January 2023, Intrepid will no longer require travelers to provide proof of vaccination against COVID-19 (excluding all Polar trips and select adventure cruises).

However, we continue to strongly recommend that all Intrepid travelers and leaders get vaccinated to protect themselves and others.

Specific proof of testing or vaccination may still be required by your destination or airline. Please ensure you check travel and entry requirements carefully.

What's the weather like in Australia?

The weather in Australia varies depending on where in the country you are. For example, winter in Victoria and Tasmania tends to be very cold (around the 50 °F -60 °F mark), whereas, if you head further north to the Northern Territory and Queensland, temperatures in the winter months are much nicer (usually around 65 °F -77 °F ).

This pattern also applies to summer, where the southern states tend to experience lower temperatures (but still warm), while the northern and western states are warmer, with temperatures reaching as high as 100 °F +.

Do I need a visa to travel to Australia?

All foreign nationals require a visa to enter Australia – excluding passport holders from  New Zealand  who can enter Australia without a visa.

Passport holders from 34 countries are eligible to apply for the Electronic Travel Authority (ETA/601), which permits multiple entry to Australia for up to three months within a 12-month period. 

All other foreign nationals will need to apply for a visitor visa (600). This permits stays of up to 12 months with the option to apply for single or multiple entry.

Learn more information about Australian tourist visas on the Australian Department of Home Affairs website

Last updated: 28 June 2023

Is tipping customary in Australia?

Tipping isn’t mandatory in Australia; however, rounding up the bill or leaving spare change is common practice. Restaurant staff, taxi drivers and other service workers welcome tips for good service.

What is the internet access like in Australia?

Internet access is widely available in most parts of Australia, with internet cafes and Wi-Fi hot spots commonly found in urban areas. Please note that internet access won’t be available in Outback and remote areas.

Can I use my cell phone while in Australia?

Cell phone coverage is excellent in most parts of Australia, especially in large cities and urban areas. Remote, rural and mountainous places may have limited to no coverage, so be aware of this before venturing away from the city. Ensure global roaming is activated before leaving your home country if you want to use your cell phone, or you can purchase a sim card when you arrive. The provider that will have coverage in the majority of Australia is Telstra, secondly Optus and then Vodafone. A hot tip – when you are in remote areas and don’t have cell phone signal, turn your phone to flight mode which will conserve battery and prevent your phone from using data trying to search for internet signal.

What are the toilets like in Australia?

Western-style flushable toilets are the norm in Australia, and many of our campsites have proper facilities with flushing toilets. In remote areas such as the Kimberley, there is no established plumbing and therefore we have installed ‘drop toilets’. Some campsites we use are managed by the National Parks and have either eco-toilets or drop toilets, most of which are maintained regularly.

What will it cost for a…?

Newspaper = AU$2.50-$4.00 Cup of coffee = AU$4.00-$7.00 Pint of beer in a pub = AU$11.00 Basic lunch at a mid-range cafe = AU$20.00

Can I drink the water in Australia?

Drinking water from taps in Australia is considered safe, unless otherwise marked. For environmental reasons, try to use a refillable water bottle rather than buying bottled water.

Are credit cards accepted widely in Australia?

Credit cards are widely accepted by shops, restaurants and cafes in Australia. Smaller establishments may only accept cash or require a minimum purchase for credit card use, so be sure to carry enough cash for smaller purchases.

What is ATM access like in Australia?

ATMs are commonly found in large cities and regional towns in Australia. ATM access will be very limited in remote areas so be aware of this before heading into national parks or the Outback.

What public holidays are celebrated in Australia?

• 1 Jan: New Year's Day
• 26 Jan: Australia Day
• Good Friday*
• Easter Monday*
• 25 Apr: Anzac Day
• 25 Dec: Christmas Day
• 26 Dec: Boxing Day

*Please note, Australia public holidays may vary.

This list does not include State governed public holidays.

Do I need to purchase travel insurance before traveling?

Absolutely. All passengers traveling with Intrepid are required to purchase travel insurance before the start of their trip. Your travel insurance details will be recorded by your leader on the first day of the trip. Due to the varying nature, availability and cost of health care around the world, travel insurance is very much an essential and necessary part of every journey.

For more information on insurance, please go to: Travel Insurance

Who are the First Nations people of Australia?

There are two distinct groups of First Nations peoples in Australia - Aboriginal Australians and Torres Strait Islander people - both of which have lived on this land for centuries. While there are only two Indigenous groups, there's actually a wide range of language and location communities that are made up of Aboriginal Australians and Torres Strait Islander people including the Adnyamathanha people of the Flinders Ranges (Aboriginal Australians) and the Badu people from the Near Western Group (Torres Strait Islander people). 

Is Australia LGBTQIA+ friendly?

Australia is a safe destination for LGBTQIA+ travelers thanks to its anti-discrimination laws, diverse population and welcoming culture. There are many LGBTQIA+ friendly neighborhoods and establishments across the country, as well as a wide variety of Pride events. 

What's the transport like in Australia?

Intrepid believes half the fun of experiencing a new country is getting there, and getting around once there! Where possible, Intrepid uses local transport options and traditional modes of transport - which usually carry less of an environmental impact, support small local operators and are heaps more fun. Depending on which trip you're on while in Australia, you may even find yourself traveling overland. 

Overland tours

Australia is a big place – like, huge.   Overland tours   involve a lot of time on the road covering long distances, and sometimes the landscape can be pretty barren, so bring a book or some tunes to keep you company.

What's the accommodation like in Australia?

Traveling with Intrepid is a little bit different. We endeavor to provide travelers with an authentic experience to remember, so we try to keep accommodation as unique and traditional as possible.

When traveling with us in Australia you may find yourself staying in a:

Our lodge accommodation is located outside major cities, such as near the entrance to a National Park, and has its own amenities such as a restaurant or dining room. Lodges are comfortable places to stay and offer a good night's rest after a day spent exploring the natural beauty of Australia. 

Permanent Tented Campsite

There's no need to put up your tent when you spend the night in a Permanent Tented Campsite. You'll have a roof over your head and will bunk down on sleeper mats on the ground or stretcher (camp) beds, with access to a toilet/shower block. Tent sizes can vary depending on the trip you're on and the location you're visiting. Some of our permanent tented campsites are a little bit fancy, others are very simple. Sometimes you'll be sharing a tent with others in your group. 

Our bush camping experiences are as diverse as Australia itself. Some offer swag camping under cover or under the twinkling stars. You could be sleeping in a tent with access to simple toilet or shower amenities or you might not have access to a shower at all. However, the scenery at these magical spots makes it worth going without a bath for a day or so. Sometimes a trip has participatory camping where everyone pitches in to help. Other times, a staff member is on hand to look after things like cooking. 

We provide accommodation at a wide variety of hotels around Australia. Some are quite upmarket, others less so, but all of them offer a comfortable stay and ensuite facilities. 

We use hostels on some trips which means your bed could be in a twin room or a shared dorm room. Some of these rooms come with their own facilities while others have share facilities. 

How do I stay safe and healthy while traveling?

From Australia?

Go to: Smart Traveller

From Canada?

Go to:  Canada Travel Information

From the UK?

Go to:  UK Foreign Travel Advice

From New Zealand?

Go to:  Safe Travel

From the US?

Go to:  US Department of State

The World Health Organisation also provides useful health information.

What is it like traveling on a small group tour?

Whether you’re a seasoned traveler or you’re about to embark on your first trip, traveling can be as intimidating as it is exciting. That's the beauty of a small group tour. From handling the logistics and organizing amazing cultural activities to local leaders who know each destination like the back of their hand (like which street has the best markets and where to get the most authentic food), traveling on a small group tour with Intrepid will give you unforgettable travel experiences without the hassle that comes with exploring a new place. Plus, you'll have ready-made friends to share the journey with. All you have to do is turn up with a healthy sense of adventure and we’ll take care of the rest.

Does my trip to Australia support The Intrepid Foundation?

Yes, all Intrepid trips support the Intrepid Foundation. In fact, we make a donation on behalf of every traveler. Trips to Australia directly support our foundation partners, Blue Carbon Lab, Greening Australia and WWF-Australia.  Intrepid will double the impact by dollar-matching all post-trip donations made to The Intrepid Foundation.

Blue Carbon Lab

Blue Carbon Lab is helping to mitigate climate change by restoring and protecting blue carbon in coastal wetlands. We've already lost 65% of wetlands globally, and multiple impacts, including urban development, agriculture, industry, and more, threaten these crucial blue-carbon ecosystems. Donations from our trips help Blue Carbon Lab to restore the natural coastal wetland areas in Victoria, Australia. 

Find out more or make a donation   

Greening Australia

Greening Australia is taking action to rebuild resilient ecosystems across Australia, from the warm waters of the Great Barrier Reef to the cool island ark of Tasmania. Donations from our trips help them tackle Australia's complex environmental challenges through large on-ground restoration projects and innovative research initiatives that help scale their impact.  

Find out more or make a donation

Country Needs People

Country Needs People support Indigenous land and sea management in Australia. Donations help them empower Indigenous communities to rehabilitate and protect places of significance on land and sea using traditional knowledge paired with modern technology.

Intrepid will double the impact by dollar-matching all post-trip donations made to The Intrepid Foundation.

Does my Intrepid trip include airfare?

While our Intrepid trips include many modes of transport, from tuk-tuks to overland vehicles, bullet trains and feluccas, airfare to and from your home country is not included in your tour package.

All Destinations , Australasia , Australia , Road Trip Itineraries

Road trip in australia: an itinerary for the whole country.

G’day mates, I’m here to take you on a 6 month long road trip in Australia.

Well, I’m not actually taking you (although maybe I’ll get the chance to do guided road trips around this beautiful country at some point, watch this space!), but, with this 6 month itinerary for the ultimate Australian road trip, you’ll know exactly where to go and when .

This Australia road trip planner is customizable depending on your wishes, but I’ve added suggested lengths of times in each location. I

’m recommending at least six months to orbit Australia (this Australia road trip itinerary takes you into the centre as well).

Australia is big and some days will consist of just driving.

Also, this itinerary doesn’t include for rest and admin days – so do take that into account when you plan your road trip in Australia.

I’ve also got dozens of more detailed itineraries for different segments of the road trip, as well as city and region itineraries for different parts of the country.

You can click through to them using the links below – all links open in a new window.

So wherever you’re visiting on this island, and whether you’re backpacking in Australia or on a road trip with toddlers , you can use this 6 month itinerary to plan your ultimate Australia road trip.

Shall we begin?

When to take the road trip in Australia?

I recommend that you begin the road trip in Melbourne in March or April.

Of course, you don’t have to begin at this time, or even in Melbourne. Most travellers fly into Melbourne or Sydney, and as Melbourne is the most temperamental weather – wise, I thought it would be nice to give you two chances to see it in its glory.

Plus, Tasmania, which I’ve put on the end of this road trip Australia itinerary, is accessible from Melbourne.

I’d recommend starting your road trip from Melbourne in March or April, as this should give you the best weather everywhere – it’ll be a bit cold in the south at first, but it will quickly warm up.

Then once you’ve returned to Melbourne, you’ll have a summer there!

Of course, if you want to start in Darwin (which is the cheapest place to fly into from Asia), then you could do this loop starting in September or October, skipping the rainy season in the north and arriving back there for the high season.

Bear in mind that some parts of the north, like Kakadu and the Gibb River Road, are inaccessible during the rainy season.

The south is still great during the winter, but may be a bit chilly and it is more rainy. Some rough outback roads all over the country can be closed when it rains.

What to pack for the Australia road trip

I’m going to be writing a full road trip Australia packing list very soon, but here’s some staples you’re not going to want to forget:

• A car or van (just in case you forget!). If you want a car like my Subaru, you can find deals on a Subaru model on KBB, BCP, Edmunds and other huge sites. For my budget, I couldn’t have asked for a better car in Australia. It’s a great vehicle for road tripping, with AWD capacities and a fantastic reputation for reliability – actually, its Outback model is on the Consumer Reports’s best road trip vehicle lists!
• High quality tent if you’re not sleeping in your car/ van
• High quality sleeping bag suitable for both tropical and temperate climates
• Mattress – a blow up, camping mat or full on double inflatable mattress (you might want to opt for the latter if you’re camping for six months).
• An esky – that’s Australian for coolbox, by the way – or a cooler bag .
• A camping stove
• Gas for said stove
• Pots and pans
• High quality torches
• Coolant, oil, jump leads, and a spare fuel tank for the car
• Ask for some of these gifts for campers for Christmas as some extras!
• If you’re planning on doing some serious off-roading and have a 4×4 (only do off-roading in a 4×4!) You might also want some quality 4×4 accessories. Check out Lifestyle 4x4s range here. 

If you haven’t left your home country yet, check out my what to pack for Australia list to check you’ve got all of the essentials covered.

Where to stay during your road trip around Australia

I’m presuming you’ll be camping around most of Australia – download the app WikiCamps to help you find free and paid campsites, and check out my free camping in Australia post to get the basics.

In places where campsites, free or paid, aren’t readily available, I’ve recommended some hostels and hotels.

You can also of course use Airbnb (click here for money off your first booking) and Couchsurfing, depending on your travelling style.

Road Trip Australia Itinerary for 6 Months on the Road

Melbourne: 3 days.

There are so many things to do in Melbourne; it’s been voted the world’s most liveable city time and time again for a reason.

From the wealth of museums to the amazing coffee, to cultural attractions like the AMCI and the Victoria Art Gallery, to the many vintage stores, to the beautiful library, you certainly won’t get bored during your time here!

You might not quite have seven days in the city, but this Melbourne itinerary will help you get to grips with the place.

Oh, and are you conscious of not spending too much at your first stop? I got ya! I had an erm… interesting time in Melbourne where I only had about $14 to my name.

Check out my tips for visiting Melbourne on a budget here.

There aren’t many places to free camp near Melbourne – I stayed at Urban Central Hostel, which is decent (although no free parking). You can book in by clicking here .

Victoria Hotel Backpackers is 5km from the city centre, but does have free parking. Click here to book .

Want to stay somewhere a bit more upscale? The Novotel Melbourne is a good option, close to the centre and with free parking. Click here for rates and to reserve .

Melbourne to Sydney: 1 week

The Melbourne to Sydney road trip is one that’s well-trodden with travelers, but it still isn’t hard to find somewhere that’s a little off the beaten path.

Highlights include Wilson’s Promontory National Park , Lakes Entrance , Eden , camping in a NSW state forest and Jervis Bay .

Once you reach Jervis Bay, if you want, you can take a detour inland to Canberra , the nation’s capital and to the beautiful Blue Mountains National Park – a must-see about 3 hours west of Sydney.

Sydney: 3 days

Sydney’s the most famous city of Australia, and one that all tourists want to visit, but there’s more here than just an opera house. Once you’ve seen the crowning glory from a few different angles – from Darling Harbour, Mrs Macquaries Seat and of course, up close are my favourites – check out some of the other things to do in Sydney.

It’s famous for its beaches of course; Bondi, Glebe and Manly are firm favourites. Click here for my three days in Sydney itinerary. There are some really great hostels in Sydney – although they’re bladdy expensive.

Bounce is really well facilitated, but it’ll set you back around $40 for a dorm room. I also really like YHA Railway Square, where you can stay in dorms in train cabins! Click here to book .

If you want free parking, you’ll need to stay a bit further out. I’ve also stayed in Cambridge Lodge Budget Hostel which is near Newtown – it has cheap dorm rates (for Sydney) and free parking. Click here to book .

If you’re looking for a hotel, Veriu Broadway is in a good location and has free parking. Click here to book .

Sydney to Brisbane: 1 week

The Sydney to Brisbane road trip takes in some amazing nature spots, as well as my favourite place in the world, Byron Bay.

Driving north, you’ll reach Newcastle fun things to do in this town here (check out some ) and Port Macquarie before turning inland towards the Waterfall Way .

This hinterland is beautiful, so give yourself a bit of time to properly absorb it all.

Then head out toward Coffs Harbour and up to Yamba , a chill beach town with some great natural spots.

Then it’s time for Byron Bay and its surrounds – check out these great things to do in Bryon Bay and don’t forget to see its hinterland.

Then you’ll cross into Queensland – the Gold Coast is your first point of call, with Surfer’s Paradise being a place to let your hair down before relaxing on some of the other beaches!

Finally, you’ll arrive into the capital of the sunshine state, Brisbane .

Brisbane: 3 days

Brisbane is often an overlooked Australian city, but it’s well worthy of a spot on your road trip around Australia. It’s a chilled out, breathable place, with lots of attractions to pass a few days in.

Check out the Brisbane Botanical Garden, the Brisbane Museum, the City Beach and the sunset from Kangaroo Point Cliffs.

If you’re already missing nature, head to Stradbroke Island which is very close to the centre and feasible as a day or overnight trip. You could even go camping at Adder Rock if you don’t want to return to the city for accommodation!

City Backpackers HQ is my preferred Brisbane hostel – and it has free parking! It’s reasonably priced and has a bar, a pool, a terrace with city views and $10 nightly dinner deals. Click here to book .

For a hotel option, Ibis Styles is a great option in the middle of the city. Click here for rates and book today .

Brisbane to Cairns: 3 weeks

The most popular one of all the Australian road trips, Brisbane to Cairns is the one where you’ll see the most travellers – and for good reason.

There are tons of amazing spots here, and it’s also the perfect spot to make some friends!

Highlights include Noosa National Park , Fraser Island , surfing at Agnes Water , the Aboriginal cultural centre at Rockhampton , the Whitsunday Islands , Magnetic Island , diving or snorkeling the Great Barrier Reef , and the beautiful Daintree Rainforest .

Cairns is another place you’ll probably be wanting to stay in a hostel – all of the free campsites are quite far out.

Gilligans has free parking, and the rest – it’s a really well facilitated place, with lots going on, but is only for those who are dedicated to partying!

If you want somewhere a bit more chilled, Cairns City Backpackers has free parking as well and has a calm courtyard and good atmosphere. It’s a 15 – 20 minute walk from the centre. Click here for rates and book today .

Want a hotel? Double Tree Hilton Cairns is a great place to relax and unwind! Click here for rates and book today .

You’ll need a four-wheel drive for this segment of the road trip; and it’s somewhere really off the beaten track. Think rainforest, crocodiles, rugged tracks and beautiful beaches, eventually making it to the tip of Australia.

Accommodation on the way will be free camping, and there’s only the odd roadhouse or pub – this is proper off the grid living.

Cape York was a spot I didn’t make it to (and I can’t wait to return to Australia and go!) – here’s a great 7 day itinerary for the trip to the tip .

Cape York to Uluru: 1 week

From the base of Cape York, rejoin the highway and head westwards, towards the Northern Territory border .

You’ll see a really distinct landscape here as the terrain changes, and experience towns like Karumba and Burketown (if you take highway one) or Charters Towers and Mount Isa (if you take the A6).

Either way, it’s a lot of country towns, desolate scenery and hot temperatures! Once you reach the Stuart Highway, turn down and head towards your ultimate destination: Uluru .

You’ll be able to see the attractions on the Stuart Highway on the way back up, but by all means stop at them on the way down as well!

Uluru is an unmissable place in Australia and at least 2 full days should be spent here.

Take some time to walk around the base and see the rock art, do some of the walks in the area to the gorges, and see Katja Tutja on the Valley of the Winds walk.

Uluru to Darwin: 2 weeks

After some time at beautiful Uluru, make your way north. If you have a 4WD or an AWD (or you can do it in a 2WD if you’re daring – do double check road conditions before you head out though!) take on the Red Centre Way .

This is a loop that takes you to King’s Canyon and then to Alice Springs the back way.

You’ll get to check out the West McDonnell Ranges , which are really spectacular, and drive along rough, outback roads. You might see wild ponies and camels!

Then head to Alice Springs for a couple of nights.

Next, head north to Tennant Creek , stopping in Wycliffe Well – the UFO capital of Australia – and at the Devil’s Marbles . You’re approaching the top end now; after Tennant Creek spend a night at Daly Waters , a fantastic pub and campground.

Mataranka has some beautiful springs and sweltering Katherine is your next stop, with the Nitmiluk National Park . Then it’s on to Kakadu National Park and finally, to Darwin .

Darwin: 3 days

I love and hate Darwin at the same time.

It’s a great place to let your hair down and party, if that’s your scene – but the backpacker crowd is typically pretty OTT.

There are some fun things to do in Darwin , however – the Military Museum is a must, as is the Art Gallery and Museum of the Northern Territory.

If you have the funds, a day trip to the Tiwi Islands is a must-do as well.

Plus there’s Charles Darwin National Park and the lagoon which is perfect for a dip on a sweltering Darwin day.

Darwin hostels are… interesting. If you’re there to party and don’t mind sacrificing on sleep and erm a certain standard of cleanliness, Youth Shack is an option – I found the dorms and bathrooms not the cleanest, but there is a really nice pool area. (Have I sold it? Click here if you want to book after my rave review 😉 )

Melaleuca has higher cleanliness, but is even more of a party place (if possible!). Click here for more information .

If you want somewhere chill on a budget in Darwin, I’d recommend staying at a campsite out of the city, finding somewhere on Airbnb – use this link for $44 off your first booking – or Couchsurfing .

I’ve done all of these in Darwin!

The Argus Hotel is modern, comfortable and clean and has a pool and on-site restaurant. Click here for rates and to book .

Darwin to Broome (via the Gibb River Road): 2 weeks

Heading south, your first stop should be Litchfield National Park .

I don’t find it as breathtaking as Kakadu, but it’s worth the stop.

Then head west, towards the border with Western Australia. It’s a long old drive, but once you’ve crossed it, head into Kununurra and check out some of the town’s attractions.

Then it’s time for Lake Argyle – this beautiful spot is perfect for kicking back in for a couple of days. Make sure you stay in the Lake Argyle campsite and enjoy its amazing infinity pool!

If you have a 4WD or AWD (I did it in an AWD, much to a lot of people’s disbelief!), take on the Gibb River Road .

This is my favourite part of Australia – 660 kilometres of gorges, waterfalls, secluded campsites and unmissable nature.

You’ll get off the road at Derby, from which it is a 2-hour drive to Broome.

Broome to Perth: 3 weeks

Spend a few days recharging in beautiful Broome , making sure you don’t miss a sunset!

If you’re there during Staircase to the Moon, it’s well worth checking out.

Gantheaume Point is amazing for dinosaur footprints and cliff jumping, and if you have a 4WD Cape Leveque is a great spot to head up to.

Broome town centre has some interesting attractions which nods to its Indigenous heritage and history as a pearling town. If you’re wanting to stay in the heart of Broome or Cable Beach, you’ll need to pay for accommodation.

I spent a month at Cable Beach Backpackers, which is a small hostel with a really nice atmosphere. Click here for more information and to book .

If you want to stay in Broome town Kimberley Klub YHA is a good option. Click here for rates and book today .

For somewhere a bit more private, try Broome Vacation Village. Click here for more information and to book .

Once you hit the road again, your first stop will be 80 Mile Beach and then Port Hedland .

From Port, you can head southwards to Karijini National Park – one of the best in Australia.

Then head out to the west coast to Exmouth and the Ningaloo Reef .

If it is the right time of year, you can go snorkeling with whale sharks here; a bucket list experience.

Diving at the Navy Pier is also incredible. From Exmouth, head south to the country town of Canarvon and then Shark Bay .

Going south more will take you to Kalbarri National Park , Geraldton and then the Coral Coast .

The Indian Ocean Drive here is incredible, as you drive right next to the sea. The Pinnacles, Lancelin and New Norcia round off your west coast itinerary before arriving in Perth.

Perth: 4 days

Perth is my favourite Australian city .

I love the spaciousness, the blue skies, the copious amounts of water. Spend a day in the CBD, seeing the attractions there like Elizabeth Quay and King’s Park.

Day two should be spent in funky Fremantle, a hip suburb with lots of attractions .

On day three, head to the Perth Hills to see another side of the city.

Finally, take a ferry over to Rottnest Island for a slice of island livin’. Billabong Backpackers in Perth offers free parking and also has a pool, a large common area and free breakfast. Click here for more information and to book .

If you’re wanting to stay in Fremantle, the Old Fire Station is the one – check out my review here and book using this link .

OFS does have parking but it’s kind of expensive – I used to park at South Beach and take the free CAT bus there.

For a hotel option, Tribe Perth is clean, contemporary and has free parking. Click here for more information and to book .

Perth to Esperance: 1 week

Once you’ve had your fill of Perth, head back down south (you could stop back into Freo on the way down, I wouldn’t blame you!) toward Margaret River .

This is a beautiful area where you could easily spend a few days. Next on your trip is the karri forests of Pemberton and swing by D’entrecasteaux national park .

There are some amazing beaches around Denmark and Albany , as well as some intriguing natural attractions. Then head to Fitzgerald River National Park and check out the unique biosphere here.

After, it’s time for Esperance , which has a picturesque ocean drive. Head to Cape le Grand National Park after, which has famous white sand beaches and lots of kangaroos.

If you have a 4WD, Cape Arid National Park is worth a visit too, before you head back to Esperance and start the drive north to the Nullarbor Plain.

The Nullarbor: 3 days

The Nullarbor Plain is a place of mystery; it’s a long, arid stretch of road with not much at all to see. But it’s really beautiful, and the feeling of being so in the middle of nowhere is unbeatable.

Take three days to drive it, as you’ll want to take it in properly and avoid driver fatigue. Highlights include Australia’s longest straight road, various quirky road houses and the beautiful Great Australian Bight .

You can free camp near here and watch the sunrise in the morning – it’s a magical experience. At the end of the Nullarbor, the seaside towns of Ceduna and Streaky Bay are worth popping into.

The Eyre Peninsula: 2 days

The Eyre Peninsula juts down at the bottom of South Australia, and is a great destination for 4WDing, beautiful beaches and wild camping.

The terrain varies from what you’ve just experienced on the Nullarbor, and there are a few small towns that are worth checking out around the peninsula.

Port Augusta to Coober Pedy: 4 days

At the top eastern side of the Eyre Peninsula, arriving in Port Augusta will feel like you’ve reached a city. It’s time to head north, up the Stuart Highway, to a town called Coober Pedy.

This is a 550-kilometre detour (plus the return trip) to see a population 3,500 town where everyone lives underground; and I do think it’s worth it.

If you love the weird and wonderful, you’ll find lots of entertaining things to do in Coober Pedy . The drive up there is pretty mesmerizing as well!

Coober Pedy to the Flinders Ranges: 5 days

And the good news is you don’t have to go back the way you came; from Coober Pedy, you can head south east on the Oodnadatta Track – an unsealed but generally in good condition (check before you head out) road connecting the Stuart Highway with the Outback Highway.

You’ll drive around the south side of Lake Eyre (if you have a 4WD and a sense of adventure you might have the chance to go off the track and see it more) and experience even more outback living.

It’s hard to ever get enough, really!

The Flinders Ranges are a beautiful national park that twin mountains and outback – looking otherworldly.

Adelaide: 3 days

From the southern end of the Flinders Ranges, it is about a fiv hour drive to Adelaide (and this is their local national park – told ya Australia was big!).

Adelaide, like Perth, seems to get a reputation for being ‘boring’ but it’s actually a bundle of joy.

The city is really gorgeous, with markets, museums, a great state library and there’s lots of nature around the city, including beaches and vineyards. Make sure you check out the Barossa Valley.

Backpack Oz in Adelaide has a great atmosphere with a bar and organized trips, and is set in a historic building. There isn’t free parking right by the hostel, but there are spots nearby – the hostel staff can advise you. Click here for rates and to book .

If you’re after a hotel, Pullman Adelaide is a good option with free parking. Click here for more information and to book .

Adelaide to Melbourne: 1 week

Between Adelaide to Melbourne, there are a few great attractions, both coastal and inland. Coolong National Park and Mount Gambier are great spots to visit with South Australia, and once you cross over the border, head north towards Gariwerd (The Grampians) National Park .

A couple of hours east from here is the historic city of Ballarat , with attractions geared around its gold-rush history.

From here, zig-zag back down to Warrnambool, where you can enjoy the gorgeous Great Ocean Road. Spend a few days here enjoying the beaches and attractions before completing your loop and reaching Melbourne city once again.

Tasmania: 3 weeks

But your trip doesn’t stop here!

From Melbourne, catch the Spirit of Tasmania over to Devonport .

From here, you can do a circuit of the island state, enjoying attractions like the Bay of Fires, Wineglass Bay, the Tasman Peninsula, the capital Hobart (which is worthy of a few days in itself) and the mighty Cradle Mountain . Make sure you check out the north coast and the beautiful town of Stanley as well.

Three weeks is a great time to see everything properly, although because Tasmania is small compared to the rest of Australia, you can do it in less.

You’ll be able to free camp most of the way around Tasmania, but in Hobart, I recommend staying at Montacute Bunkhouse. It’s a beautiful boutique hostel with lots of features to make a really pleasant night’s stay. Click here for rates and book today .

If you want a bit more space, Riverfront Motel and Villas makes you feel like you’re still in nature while being very close to Hobart city! Click here for rates and to reserve .

Then take the spirit back over to Melbourne and conclude your road trip around Australia!

End: Melbourne, VIC in SEPTEMBER OR OCTOBER

You’ve done it! You’ve circumnavigated Australia, seeing the very best of the country.

If you’re in the country on a year’s working holiday visa, you’ve arrived in Melbourne just as the summer kicks off and the city comes alive. You’ve even got time to do your regional work for another year down under!

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13 thoughts on “ Road Trip in Australia: An Itinerary for the Whole Country! ”

Oh my goodness, this itinerary is AMAZING!!! What an adventure you would have had!! This is a total dream for my husband and I. I’ve stayed at the Urban Hostel in Melbourne, it’s a great little hostel. I wonder did you do much freedom camping? We dream of kitting out a van or minibus but we’ve heard it can be hard to find places to camp free. Will be bookmarking this itinerary to come back to if we’re lucky enough to get to do this trip someday!

I’m glad you enjoyed this Rhiannon! Are you based in Australia currently? It’s a cool spot isn’t it! Yes I did mainly free camping 🙂 Wikicamps has lots of options and I never had any issues – many of them are serviced by pubs or roadhouses so I just spent a little in the establishments. I have an article about free camping in Australia as well! I hope you get to do this trip, it’s not too expensive and it’s the adventure of a lifetime!!

Hi Claire! Going to Australia early in may to do my 3 months of work asap after arrival. Hopefully i will be ready to kick off my roadtrip somewhere in september starting in Southwestern Aus and travelling the country in a –> (N) <– looking route if you can understand what i mean. Doing this because a want the eastcoast summer and will probably stay there for a while. Im guessing this will take me approximately 7 moths to complete, I dont really have a timeline, but would like to get a full year on my second year visa to settle down and work etc.

What do you think about the route, does it make sense to you considering the weather and all or does it sound completely crazy?

Thank you for your inspo, noted many tips from you! 😉

I think it’s a great idea to do your farm work as soon as you get there. You should be able to find something in Southwestern, I’m not sure what the harvest seasons are like in Margaret River but I know it’s a popular spot for farm work.

In September I actually think I’d go the other way. It’ll be warming up by then down south, you’ll get over to the east coast around November and will still be there for summer (although you don’t really need to be there then above Brisbane, I’d say spring/ autumn are better weather, it is rainy season during the summer as well!), and then after summer you’ll get to enjoy the NT and the Kimberleys after the wet season (when waterfalls are at their best).

The other way would work too, but you’d need to rush the west coast/ Kimberleys/ NT to get it done before the wet season starts and they’re not places you want to rush, trust me!

But do whatever you think is best depending on your preferences 🙂 Let me know if you have any more questions and I’m glad the blog helped!

This looks like an awesome trip! I will probably fly to Australia at the end of august/ beginning of september. Not sure where I will be landing yet, keeping my options open for now. If I would want to start this roadtrip , where would you suggest me to start if i would want to start in september?

Your blog is very helpfull btw!

Hi Claire, We are a family of four (kids 3y and 5y) living in Rocky for one year. We are thinking of a roadtrip Rockhampton-Cairns-back to Townsville-Alice springs- Kings canyon- Aderlaide-Melbourne in 1,5-2 months. What do you think about that? We have a 2w car at the moment, would that be enough? Also thinking about getting a camper trailer for this roadtrip, or du you think it would be enough B&B, motels or hostel on the way to be ok? And we are thinking about doing it between May-August sometime. Or is it preferable a 4W car doing that roadtrip? We are just in the beginning of this plan, so I am happy with every advice you can give me. Regards Frida

Amazing! Your itinerary sounds good, although I’m guessing with kids you’ll want to add some time on so I’d definitely go towards 2 months in your case. As far as I know the only way you’d get from Townsville to Alice Springs on a 2WD track is via Tennant Creek, certainly doable but it will take a while. There is the Outback Way that stretches from Queensland all the way to Western Australia via the red centre but that’s 4WD only.

I love camping and would always recommend it, it does save a lot of money as well. If you’re happy to use tents they’re a great option without having to get a camper trailer! If not, you could probably just about get by without (staying at roadhouses and hostels in bigger places) but I wouldn’t want to say 100%.

May – August is a good time! It might be a bit cold in the south, so you might want to opt for some indoor accommodation then, but it’s still beautiful.

Let me know if you have any other questions!

Claire, I have been planing a solo Australian cross country driving trip from Sydney to Darwin. What have learned is that car rental in Australia is different then USA. My original plan was to land in Sydney, rent a suv and start driving but it doesn’t seems that easy due to your car rental laws.

That said would you be able to advise the best approach to achieve my goal.

Kind regards Tom K. [email protected]

So I’m actually British but spent a long time in Australia, I bought a car in Melbourne no problem and sold it again 8 months later. I did however rent a car in Australia and didn’t have any issues. What is the problem that you are finding with the car rental? Let me know and hopefully I can help!

Hi Claire, I am planning to do road trip with roughly the same itinerary, and I was wondering wether you think a 4*4 car is necessary or not ? And weather 4 or 5 months would be enough to do it? Thanks, Taís.

Myself, my partner and our 2 yr old son are planning to go from Melbourne to Broome via Perth along the West Coast. Then possibly up to Darwin and back down through Alice Springs to Melbourne. We are taking a caravan with us. Firstly, do you think it’s going to be too long and uncomfortable for a 2 old to cope with being on the road so long. And also is 2 months long enough for this trip?

This is a great itinerary! I’m looking to come to Aus and do a roadtrip of as much of the country as possible without rushing too much. I’ll be there late May-August. How much do you think is doable for 3 months? What would you cut out to squeeze this itinerary down?

Thank you!!

hi lovely! wow your trip looked incredible! what an experience. i have 2 months with hubby and 2 kids to do round trip… any tips? i am using some of your stop off as the base 😀

starting in canberra.. wondering if we should head clockwise or anticlockwise? will be starting in june next year (ideally). driving in a 4wd with pop top tent.

thank you any feedback would be amazing. i have no idea where to start..

love from an amateur

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Destinations: Australia – Port Douglas, Daintree, Rose Gums, Cairns & Sydney

Activities: Beaches, Birds, City Sights, Coastal Drives, Cruises, Great Barrier Reef, Historical Landmarks, Local Flavor, Nature, Rainforest, Rest & Relaxation, Scenic Lookouts, Small Towns & Villages, Snorkeling, Swimming, Waterfalls, Wildlife

Destinations: Australia – Melbourne, Phillip Island, Mornington Peninsula, Melbourne, Airlie Beach & Sydney

Activities: Beaches, Coastal, Coastal Drives, Cruises, Great Barrier Reef, Historical Landmarks, Local Flavor, Natural Wonders, Small Towns & Villages, Snorkeling, Swimming

Destinations: Australia – Port Douglas, Melbourne, Freycinet, Port Arthur & Hobart

Activities: Birds, Coastal, Coastal Drives, Cruises, Great Barrier Reef, Kangaroos, Koalas, Local Flavor, Nature, Rainforest, Scenic Lookouts, Small Towns & Villages, Snorkeling, Tourist Attractions, Wildlife, Wildlife Encounters, Wildlife in the Wild

Destinations: Australia – Sydney, Cairns, Melbourne, The Great Ocean Road (Apollo Bay, Warnambool), Grampians (Halls Gap) & Melbourne

Activities: Beaches, Coastal, Coastal Drives, Great Barrier Reef, Local Flavor, Mountains, Nature, Scenic Lookouts, Small Towns & Villages

Destinations: Australia – Sydney, Hunter Valley, Port Stephens, Adelaide, Kangaroo Island & Adelaide

Activities: Beaches, Coastal, Coastal Drives, Cruises, Historical Landmarks, Island Experiences, Kangaroos, Koalas, Local Flavor, Nature, Scenic Lookouts, Small Towns & Villages, Wildlife in the Wild, Wine

Destinations: Australia – Sydney, Rose Gums, Port Douglas, Melbourne, Kangaroo Island & Adelaide

Activities: Beaches, Birds, Coastal Drives, Cruises, Great Barrier Reef, Historical Landmarks, Island Experiences, Kangaroos, Koalas, Local Flavor, Nature, Rainforest, Scenic Lookouts, Small Towns & Villages, Snorkeling, Swimming, Wildlife in the Wild

Destinations: Sydney, Newcastle, Port Macquarie, Coffs Harbour, Byron Bay, Brisbane, Train & Cairns

Activities: Beaches, Coastal, Coastal Drives, Cruises, Great Barrier Reef, Historical Landmarks, Local Flavor, Rainforest, Small Towns & Villages, Snorkeling, Swimming

Destinations: Australia – Hamilton Island, Melbourne, Launceston, Freycinet, Hobart, Kangaroo Island, Barossa Valley & Adelaide

Activities: Beaches, Coastal Drives, Coastal Lookouts, Cruises, Great Barrier Reef, Island Experiences, Local Flavor, Local Markets, Natural Wonders, Nature, Scenic Lookouts, Small Towns & Villages, Swimming, Wildlife, Wildlife in the Wild

Destinations: Australia – Melbourne, Great Ocean Road (Apollo Bay, Mt Gambier, Victor Harbor), Kangaroo Island, Adelaide, Port Douglas, Sydney

Activities: Aboriginal Culture, Beaches, Coastal, Coastal Drives, Coastal Lookouts, Educational, Foodie, Great Barrier Reef, Island Experiences, Kangaroos, Koalas, Local Flavor, Local Markets, Natural Wonders, Nature, Rainforest, Sailing, Scenic Lookouts, Short Walks, Small Towns & Villages, Snorkeling, Swimming, Wildlife, Wildlife in the Wild

Destinations: Australia – Launceston, Cradle Mountain, Freycinet, Hobart, Melbourne, Hamilton Island, Gold Coast, Sydney

Activities: Beaches, City Sights, Coastal, Great Barrier Reef, Historical Landmarks, Island Experiences, Kangaroos, Koalas, Mountains, Small Towns & Villages, Snorkeling, Swimming, Wildlife, Wildlife Encounters, Food & Wine

Destinations: Australia – Melbourne, Apollo Bay, Mount Gambier, Victor Harbor, Kangaroo Island, Adelaide, The Ghan, Alice Springs, Ayers Rock, Port Douglas & Sydney

Activities: Aboriginal Culture, Beaches, Coastal, Coastal Drives, Cruises, Great Barrier Reef, Historical Landmarks, Island Experiences, Kangaroos, Local Flavor, Natural Wonders, Outback, Rainforest, Scenic Lookouts, Small Towns & Villages, Snorkeling, Train Rides, Wildlife

Destinations: Australia – Melbourne, Great Ocean Road (Apollo Bay, Mt Gambier, Victor Harbor), Kangaroo Island, Adelaide, Ayers Rock, Port Douglas, Brisbane, Sydney

Activities: Art, Aboriginal Culture, Beaches, City Sights, City Walking Tour, Coastal Drives, Cruises, Great Barrier Reef, Historical Landmarks, Island Experiences, Kangaroos, Koalas, Local Flavor, Natural Wonders, Nature, Outback, Small Towns & Villages, Snorkeling, Wildlife, Wildlife in the Wild

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• Best Road Trips in Australia for Campervans

Australia Road Trip Planner

18 of the best road trips in australia.

Australia Road Trip Map : Click on the route for a link to the itinerary, or browse below.

East Coast Australia Road Trips

These east coast Australia road trips combine two or more of the above road trips. Itineraries range from 1 to 7 weeks.

Cairns to Airlie Beach Drive 348 km | 7 hrs drive  | 1 - 2 weeks 4 days for the road trip plus 10 days to explore the Whitsundays, Great Barrier Reef, Daintree, Port Douglas, Undara Lava Tubes and the Atherton Tablelands. 

Brisbane to Cairns Drive 2, 177 km | 26 hrs drive | 3 - 4 weeks Explore the tropical northern stretch of the East Coast. 11 days for the road trip, plus 10 days to explore Brisbane, the Gold Coast, the Great Barrier Reef, the Whitsundays, Atherton Tablelands, the Daintree and Port Douglas. 

Melbourne to Brisbane Drive 2,930 km | 54 hrs drive | 5 weeks 28 days for the road trip, plus 6 days to explore Melbourne, Sydney, Brisbane and the Gold Coast. 

Sydney to Cairns Drive 3,487 km | 55 hrs drive  | 5 weeks Nearly all of the east coast. 26 days for the road trip, plus 10 days to explore Sydney, Brisbane, the Gold Coast, the Whitsunday and Cairns. 

Melbourne to Cairns Drive 4,787 km | 55 hrs drive | 6 - 7 weeks Explore the entire East Coast of Australia from end to end. 30 - 40 days for the road trip, plus 10 days to explore Sydney, Brisbane, the Gold Coast, the Whitsunday and Cairns.

Road Trip Around Australia

We have three key routes for a road trip around Australia. 

• The first route is a simple circumnavigation of the continent, but this misses the important central desert region with Uluru, the Olgas and Coober Pedy. 
• The second route includes central Australia and can either start in Cairns and end in Adelaide, or start in Adelaide and end in Cairns. 
• The third route builds upon the second route by looping in Broken Hill, Mungo National Park and rural New South Wales. Its start and end points are Cairns and Sydney.

Road Trips by State

• NEW SOUTH WALES
• SOUTH AUSTRALIA
• WESTERN AUSTRALIA
• NORTHERN TERRITORY

Driving in Australia

Australia is larger than you might think - as large as the USA without Alaska and three quarters the size of Europe. It is also extremely diverse with everything from snow-capped mountains to lush tropical forests, the outback desert and rolling green pastures. If you jet set from city to city, you'll miss all this.

The best (and cheapest) way to experience Australia is to hire a campervan and take a road trip. That way you have the freedom to can set your own itinerary, be spontaneous, take the road less travelled, and stop where you want for as long as you want.

With a kitchen in the back seat, you can pull into a stunning location, make lunch and soak in the views. It's the most convenient, affordable and memorable way to dine. And at the end of an adventure-filled day, your home is where ever you park it. 

You will soon discover the camaraderie of the campervan community - kindred spirits who like to get off the beaten path, who appreciate the beauty of Australia, and are eager to share a few tips and their favorite camping locations with you. As Edith Wharton once said  "One of the great things about travel is you discover how many good, kind people there are."

In this Road Trip Planner we detail some of the best road trips in Australia to help you plan your campervan self-drive itinerary.

• Cairns day trips
• Atherton Tablelands & Wooroonooran National Park
• Kuranda and Barron Falls
• Cairns to Hinchinbrook Is.
• Cairns to Cooktown
• Cairns to Townsville  
• Townsville day trips
• Townsville to Cairns
• Townsville to Airlie Beach
• Queensland Outback  (Townsville - Cunnamulla - Brisbane)
• Airlie Beach to Townsville  (and Cairns)
• Airlie Beach to Brisbane  (and Gold Coast)
• Brisbane to Gold Coast
• Brisbane to Airlie Beach
• Gold Coast to Sydney
• Gold Coast day trips
• Brisbane day trips

New South Wales

• Sydney's National Parks
• Sydney's Top Walks
• Hunter Valley wine region
• Central Coast
• Port Stephens
• Blue Mountains
• South Coast
• Southern Highlands
• The Snowy Mountains
• Sydney - Melbourne Coast
• Sydney - Canberra - Melbourne
• Sydney - Gold Coast
• Broken Hill
• Canberra 
• Grampians | Murray River
• Great Ocean Road
• Mornington Pensinsula
• Phillip Island
• Wilsons Promontory
• Victorian Alps | High Plains
• Yarra Valley | Dandenongs
• Melbourne - Sydney coast
• Melbourne - Canberra - Sydney
• Melbourne - Adelaide

South Australia

• Barossa Valley wines
• Murray River
• Kangaroo Island
• Mt. Gambier
• Coonawarra wine & Naracoorte Caves
• Adelaide Hills & Hahndorf
• Adelaide Hills Activities 
• Fleurieu Peninsula & Coorong
• Adelaide to Melbourne
• Outback: Adelaide to Sydney
• Adelaide to Darwin Road Trip
• Adelaide to Perth Road Trip
• Coober Pedy
• Eyre Peninsula

Western Australia

• 3 days in Perth - things to do
• The Perfect WA Roadtrip (South of Perth)
• Yanchep National Park
• Pinnacles Desert
• Bunbury and Busselton
• Margaret River
• Pemberton Forests
• The Kimberley - Broome to Darwin in 6 days
• Broome to Perth in 19 days
• Perth to Adelaide in 16 days

Northern Territory

• Litchfield National Park
• The Pilbara
• Nitmiluk National Park (Katherine Gorge)
• Mataranka Hot Springs
• Alice Springs
• Uluru and the Olgas
• Macdonnell Ranges

Other Blogs & Relevant Information

• Driving Distances and Petrol Prices
• Oz Parks Australia's Newest National Caravan & Tourist Park Chain
• Top Islands to visit in Australia
• Top Australian cultural experiences
• Top Australian animal experiences
• 7 reasons why Cairns is the adventure capital of Australia
• 10 movie locations to visit in Australia

Itineraries

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Campervan hire depots, airlie beach.

Heart of Reef Shuttles, 48-50 Carlo Drive, Cannonvale, Queensland 4802 Phone: 1800 216 223

20 Noble Avenue, North Gate, Queensland 4013 Phone: 1800 216 223

440 Sheridan Street, Cairns, Queensland 4870 Phone: 1800 216 223

273 Elizabeth Street, Coburg, Victoria 3058 Phone: 1800 216 223

23-25 Erskine Rd, Caringbah, Sydney, NSW 2229 Phone: 1800 216 223

Do you have any questions or need additional information?

The Best 5 Road Trip Australia Itineraries

With four wheels, the open road and an itinerary packed with authentic experiences, road trips in Australia take a deserving place at the top of many bucket lists. The country’s extreme vastness coupled with extraordinary diversity means that it plays host to almost every landscape imaginable: vast ochre plains, emerald rainforests, azure coastlines and plenty in between. 

Road trips in Australia are not just reserved for visitors either; Aussies have long been packing up the car in favour of an exciting interstate journey. One thing is for sure, native or not, Australia is guaranteed to leave you in awe.

Now, you’re probably thinking: ‘ Okay, but how do I do a road trip around Australia?’. That’s where we come in. Using local insight, expert destination knowledge and incredible itineraries crafted by our network of Local Designers, we’ve gathered together the five best Australia road trip itineraries with a wealth of information to help you plan your trip!

Post Contents

How Long Does a Road Trip around Australia Take?

How much does it cost to road trip around australia, 1) road trip from sydney to queensland’s east coast and the red centre, 2) victoria road trip from melbourne to the great ocean road and grampians national park, 3) ultimate tasmania road trip itinerary, 4) south australia road trip filled with gourmet food and wine experiences, 5) the best uluru self-drive tour in australia’s red centre, share the driving, watch out for wildlife, pay attention to road rules and speed limits, roadside assistance, outback driving, how to plan your australian road trip, discover our gallery of australia tours.

Before we get stuck in, let’s make sure you’re here for the right reasons. We are about to introduce you to the five best Australia self-drive trips designed by local experts and packed with authentic experiences, whilst giving you all the help you need to plan your trip!

Read this post if:

• You are looking for the best road trips in Australia
• You want to know how to plan an incredible road trip itinerary
• You want to know how much it costs to do an Australia road trip

Don’t read this post if:

• You’re looking for the best places to visit, instead, start with this Australia travel guide
• You are ready to book your trip – instead, connect with one of our Australian Local Designers who can design your free personalised itinerary in less than 48 hours!
• You don’t want a serious case of wanderlust by the end of it

Eager to Plan Your Australia Road Trip?

If you can’t wait any longer and are keen to cut out the hassle of planning a trip yourself, dive in and explore our gallery of extraordinary Australia tours now! Choose any trip to customise to connect with one of our in-destination locals who are ready and waiting to design, build and deliver your extraordinary designer journey! 

Here are a number of commonly asked questions about road tripping in Australia. We’ve called on the expert knowledge, skills and local insight of our Local Designers at Designer Journeys to answer them! 

How long is a piece of string? 

Your road trip down under could be a simple jaunt from Sydney to the Blue Mountains , or perhaps a lengthier Uluru to South Australia road trip , or perhaps you have something else in mind. The truth is, there is no perfect length for an Australian road trip. That’s why we’ve gathered the best five Aussie road trips below, each offering something entirely different for you to browse and see which suits you best.

The cost of a road trip in Australia is determined by several factors:

• How long you want to travel for
• Where you want to go
• Your type of accommodation
• How much you plan to do

Due to the many varying factors, it is difficult to determine an overarching cost. However, if you are eager to get your road trip itinerary sorted, you can specify your budget, needs and desired destinations or activities, and our Local Designers in Australia will design an itinerary within 48 hours. It’s really that simple!

Alternatively, keep reading to see what you can expect to spend on any one of our five Aussie road trips!

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The Five Best Road Trips in Australia

• Length: 14 days
• Best time to travel: Summer (December to February)
• Distance travelled: 1,520 kilometres (approximately and not all by car)
• Highlights: Horseriding in the Blue Mountains, helicopter ride to Sydney, catamaran cruise to Whitehaven Beach, Uluru sunrise hike
• Who for: Those that love to mix adventure with luxury

Imagine a map of Australia’s east coast dotted with luxury boutique stays, incredible outdoor adventures, gourmet dining experiences and a dose of culture; this image perfectly sums up this Sydney road trip to Queensland and Uluru. 

Beginning in New South Wales ’ capital, you’ll experience Sydney through the eyes of a local whilst also ticking off the unmissable activities – Sydney Harbour Bridge Climb and lunch on Bondi Beach? We’ve got you covered. Next, the sheer splendour of Australia will be laid out in front of you at the world-class luxury Emirates One&Only Wolgan Valley resort. Your private sanctuary stay will be punctuated by sampling gourmet menus, gin tasting, horseriding, luxury pampering and more. 

With a scenic helicopter ride back to the airport, you’ll then fly to Hamilton Island in the heart of the Whitsundays and check into another five-star resort. The adventures continue over the next few days as you explore the stunning Whitsundays in all their glory. After a short stop in the jewel of the Gold Coast, Surfers Paradise, you’ll hop on a plane to Australia’s Red Centre where the latter part of your trip becomes an adventure-filled Northern Territory road trip!

Whilst there is a couple of cheats in this itinerary (two flights), it can be tweaked to your preference. Want to do the whole trip as self-drive? No problem, our Local Designers can arrange this for you as well as plenty of incredible stops and authentic experiences along the way to make your Australia road trip one you won’t forget. 

Want to see the entire East Coast Australia road trip?

See what else is included in this extraordinary journey from Sydney to Queensland and the Northern Territory by tapping the button below! Hit ‘customise’ on the trip to connect with one of our Local Designers in Australia who can design your FREE personalised itinerary in less than 48 hours!

• Length: 7 days
• Best time to travel: Late Summer (March to April)
• Distance travelled: 750 kilometres (approximately)
• Highlights: Sampling Melbourne’s unbeatable food scene, driving yourself along the famous Great Ocean Road, hiking in the Grampians, panning for gold in Daylesford 
• Who for: Those who want to mix incredible views with world-class food

This Southern Australia road trip is a fine chance to embark on an adventure packed with wildlife experiences, gourmet food tastings, and beautiful beaches as well as beguiling history and indigenous cultures. This journey is full of experiences that are guaranteed to delight and inspire every traveller. 

The journey itself begins in Melbourne where your pre-arranged rental will be waiting for you to hit the road. Heading out of the city, you’ll wind the windows down and breathe in the salty air as you travel along the Great Ocean Road encountering chic coastal towns and the wine region of the Bellarine Peninsula. 

Two nights spent in a chalet in the Grampians will leave nature lovers and adventurers in awe of this sacred landscape. For your final two nights, you’ll feel the gold rush in Ballarat, relax in the healing waters of Daylesford and even give the old fashioned panning for gold method a go!

Once again, this itinerary is fully customisable to you. Do more, do less; stay longer, stay less. It’s all in your control when you design your Australia tour with one of our Local Designers.

Intrigued by a Victoria road trip?

Nature, food and adventure lovers will find solace on this Melbourne to Grampians and beyond self-drive trip. Pique your curiosity and see what other extraordinary experiences are included in this road trip Australia itinerary!

• Length: 9 days
• Distance travelled: 940 kilometres (approximately)
• Highlights: Gourmet food tour to Bruny Island’s renowned artisan producers, sea kayaking in Freycinet National Park, majestic steam train railway journey along the West Coast
• Who for: Avid hikers who love to end the day with a glass of wine

Isolated from the rest of Australia, Tasmania’s captivating natural beauty, thriving regional food scene and diverse cultural experiences have put it firmly on the map. Add to the mix its rugged peaks, shimmering waters and intriguing towns and you have yourself a road trip destination that deserves a place on any top five list. 

Fiercely protected by preservation laws, Tasmania’s natural riches draw in nature lovers and avid hikers from all over the world. When it comes down to the best way to experience all of this richness, driving yourself is key. 

Beginning in the island state capital of Hobart, your rental car will be waiting to whisk you away to Bruny Island, Freycinet National Park, Cradle Mountain and finally, Strahan. Through gourmet food tours, scenic cruises and wonderful wilderness hikes, you’ll become acquainted with the history, culture and riches of Tasmania. 

One thing is for sure, Tasmania is not somewhere you’ll want to rush from one destination to the next. Travelling at your own pace with a rental car allows you to take your time in each of these destinations. 

Ready to plan your Tasmania self-drive tour?

Make this trip yours by customising it to your preferences with one of our Local Designers in Australia now. Within 48 hours, you’ll receive your free personalised itinerary to Tasmania and beyond!

• Best time to travel: March to May or September to November
• Distance travelled: 320 kilometres (approximately)
• Highlights: Culinary foodies tour of Adelaide, chocolate and wine pairing at ChocVine, cheese tasting, winery touring in Clare Valley
• Who for: Foodies that want the thrill of a road trip without the long distances

Unbeatable gourmet produce, world-class wineries, unique native wildlife and so much more defines South Australia . For those looking for incredible, gourmet food and wine experiences, South Australia delivers three of the best destinations within a short distance of each other making it perfect for those that want to experience a self-drive trip without hours of driving!

On this road trip from Adelaide , you’ll venture deep into Australia’s rich, gastronomic experiences, visiting one of the world’s most renowned wine-growing regions, Barossa Valley, and engaging in the rich heritage of Clare Valley. Beginning in Adelaide, you’ll indulge in award-winning restaurant menus, take a gourmet food tour of the city on foot and while away the afternoon sampling beers in Coopers Brewery .

As you move out of the city to the neighbouring Barossa Valley, you’ll find yourself with a choice of over 150 wineries and 80 cellar doors to visit; a world of gastronomic delights awaits in this picturesque cluster of villages, rolling hills, stone churches and vineyards. 

Your final few days will bring you to Clare Valley, where sumptuous fresh produce, breathtaking scenery and boutique wine experiences elevate the itinerary to spectacular. 

Your self-drive South Australia holiday awaits!

If your mouth isn’t already watering at the thought of touring this region, then you’ll want to tap the button below to read all about this trip in full. With a tremendous amount of gourmet experiences on offer, you’ll want to connect with a Local Designer to get your personalised itinerary as soon as possible!

• Length: 5 days
• Best time to travel: May to September
• Distance travelled: 800 kilometres (approximately)
• Highlights: Guided kangaroo sunset tour, swimming in the Ellery Creek Big Hole, the Mereenie Loop Drive, stargazing at King’s Canyon, King’s Canyon rim walk and desert awakenings dawn tour at Ayers Rock
• Who for: Those who want a thrilling outback road trip packed with unique experiences

The heart of Central Australia, the Northern Territory’s ‘Red Centre’ is renowned for its ancient landscapes, awe-inspiring scenery and incredible stargazing opportunities. The best way to experience all this? A self-drive tour from Alice Springs to Uluru.

The entire region is centred on the town of Alice Springs which is where you’ll pick up your car ahead of the journey. Heading out across the desert sands, you’ll pass extraordinary geological monoliths, travel through the West MacDonnell National Park and take on the famous Mereenie Loop Drive from Watarrka National Park to King’s Canyon. 

A night sleeping under a canopy of stars and ticking off one of the world’s 20 best hikes in King’s Canyon will be highlights of your journey before you continue to Ayer’s Rock. On arrival, you’ll hop on a camel to admire some of the most spectacular desert landscapes you’ll ever see with Uluru and Kata Tjuta taking the trophy. 

If you hadn’t already squeezed enough into your five-day Red Centre road trip, you’ll spend your final morning on a unique desert awakenings tour with an expert guide experiencing the tranquillity of this land pre-dawn.

Want to experience the ultimate Outback road trip?

If any one road trip stands out amongst the best in Australia, a journey deep into the outback filled with marvellous, authentic experiences like this one, shines through. Your Local Designer in Australia can tailor this trip to suit your budget, travel style and more so you can get the most out of your road trip. Start your journey today!

Top Tips for Your Australian Road Trip

Designing and booking your self-drive experience with Designer Journeys means you’ll always be in safe hands should anything go wrong before or during your trip. However, here are some top tips for driving in Australia to bear in mind! 

Australia is huge so depending on where you choose to do your road trip, you may encounter some long stretches of driving. If you can, make sure someone you’re travelling with can share the driving with you. 

Driving at night, dusk or dawn is not recommended in many parts of Australia due to wildlife that are most active during these hours of the day. Not only would it be saddening to hit a kangaroo, but they can do considerable damage to your rental car!

Hidden speed cameras can be costly in Australia so avoid speeding at all times. Plus, what’s the rush? Enjoy the journey and take in the scenery. 

Make sure you have this sorted before you begin your journey. You can often arrange this with the same company you hire your car with. Our Local Designers can take care of all of this official admin when designing your trip for you.

If you’re venturing deep into the outback, the rules are different. You’ll want to make sure you have enough food and water should you break down, a satellite phone for emergencies and that you have told someone your route. Check out this blog for more outback driving tips .

At Designer Journeys, every Local Designer in our global network has been through a rigorous selection process to ensure they provide only the most extraordinary travel experiences, from the planning stages right through to travelling. By designing, building and booking your next trip with us, you can rest assured that you’ll be in safe hands. 

Our Local Designers use their unique destination insight, local knowledge and travel planning skills from decades of experience to design, build and deliver travel experiences that you won’t find anywhere else. Better yet, every element of your trip can be completely customised to your needs, wants and desires. 

Simply, explore our gallery of Australia trips, or start designing your own journey from scratch to connect with one of our Local Designers in Australia and they’ll do the rest! 

With a huge range of trips with free cancellation, explore our gallery of fully customisable Australia tours to find your perfect trip!

Interested in a road trip around Australia? Pin this post!

Grace Homer

At my desk, you'll find me tapping out inspiring adventures, finessing incredible trips designed by Local Designers and focussing on all things content. Having lived in Southeast Asia between Vietnam and Bali for three years, I'm now keeping toasty with a cuppa in a little English town planning future adventures for which I have constant inspiration. Offline, there's nothing I enjoy more than long cycle rides, fueling the foodie in me and seeking out new spots - preferably all at the same time. Find me on LinkedIn or Instagram and keep an eye out for travel inspiration here!

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1 Day Great Ocean Road Tour

This Great Ocean Road Tour is a guided scenic drive along Australia’s most spectacular coastline with jaw-dropping ocean views and ancient rainforests. Our group day tour includes visiting the iconic rock formations known as the 12 Apostles . Explore the stunning Loch Ard Gorge and marvel at the views from all the best lookouts within the Port Campbell National Park . Wander through seaside towns such as Apollo Bay and have time to explore other beautiful beaches and walks.

Great Ocean Road Tours Highlights

• Visit the historic Great Ocean Road Memorial Arch
• Surf Coast beaches , seaside towns, and stunning coastal views
• Spot Australian wildlife along the the Great Ocean Road
• Enjoy lunch in the seaside town of Apollo Bay
• Rainforest walk through the  Great Otway National Park
• Loch Ard Gorge and the Shipwreck Coast Port Campbell National Park
• The world-famous Twelve Apostles Port Campbell National Park
• If time permits, we visit the Razorback, Island Archway, Salt & Pepper Shakers formations

Trip Inclusions

• All National Park entry fees
• Australian flora and fauna sightings
• A professional & friendly driver/guide
• Local informative tour commentary
• Comfortable coach transportation service
• Select inner-city pick-up & drop-off locations

Google & TripAdvisor Reviews

Great Ocean Road Trip Itinerary

The Great Ocean Road is Victoria’s famous must-do road trip. One day we will show you the beauty of this coastal drive and take you through pristine beaches, fresh rainforest and rugged limestone rock formations.

Be wowed by the 12 Apostles – these iconic rock formations lie just off the shore of  Port Campbell National Park  in  Victoria . Get lost in the beauty of this natural scenery and allow our guides to regale you with the stories and history that shapes this epic coastline.

Depart Melbourne

Once we have left Melbourne, we head down to the  Surf Coast,  passing through gorgeous seaside townships such as  Anglesea ,  Lorne  and  Airey’s Inlet . We stop along the way for some morning tea and to breathe in the fresh sea air whilst spotting surfers out on the water. The proximity to Antarctica means that you will learn why everyone wears a wet suit once you dip your toes into the water.

The Great Ocean Road Memorial Arch

Stop at the  Great Ocean Road  monument, which marks the original starting point of the Great Ocean Road . After some photos at the iconic  Memorial Arch  and a lesson on the history of the soldiers who built this road and dedicated it to their fallen comrades, we will wind through more stunning views (of course, stopping for pictures!)

Search for Australian flora and fauna

Along the journey, we will be making stops to look for  Koalas and other Australian wildlife on the Great Ocean Road , hanging out in the wild. As they are wild, we cannot guarantee where they will show up, but our knowledgeable guides know all the  best  spots to get out into the bush and spot them sleeping!

Stop to Enjoy Lunch in Apollo Bay

A welcome lunch break is taken in  Apollo Bay   (approximately 45 minutes – at guests’ own expense).  Once you have  explored Apollo Bay , grabbed any souvenirs you wish to buy, or tasted some delicious ice cream, then it is back on the bus to the Great Otway National Park inland.

Rainforest walk in the Great Otway National Park

Still on the Great Ocean Road but now continuing up into the lush green hills of the  Great Otway National Park . Drive past towering  Eucalyptus  trees until we arrive at a patch of  Cool, Temperate Rainforest . You will be amazed at the difference in the scenery as we take a walk through the tree ferns and marvel at the ‘ancient relics’  Myrtle Beach trees . These provide perfect canopy shade and originate from when Australia was part of a supercontinent known as  Gondwanaland . Breathe in the fresh air before we take a relaxing drive out to the dramatic  Shipwreck Coast !

The Twelve Apostles

Once out of the trees and back by the  Southern Ocean,  we arrive in  Port Campbell National Park , home to the iconic  12 Apostles . We will spend about 40 minutes at the  Apostles,  where you will enjoy free time to take in the views from every angle, walk along the boardwalks, and get the perfect pictures of this wild and rugged coastline.

Loch Ard Gorge and the Shipwreck Coast

Also, in the  National Park,  we head down to  Loch Ard Gorge , the site of one of Australia’s most well know shipwrecks, hear the dramatic tale of  Tom and Eva  and then head down to the beach to look for the caves. This is also where you will find rock formations such as  Island Archway ,  Razorback , and the ‘ Salt and Pepper Shakers  too.

Great Ocean Road Tour returns to Melbourne

After a full day of exploring, we say goodbye to the Great Ocean Road and turn back inland to drive back to Melbourne via country roads. We pass through farmlands en route to the country town of Colac. Here, you can grab a quick bite for dinner (at the guests’ own expense) if you wish, as we will arrive back home in Melbourne at approximately 8:30 pm.

Pick-up Locations & TImes

Our central meeting point for this tour will be the Immigration Museum (east-side), 400 Flinders St, corner of Market St, Melbourne @ 7:35AM.

• 6:55 - Pegasus Apartments Hotel - 206 A’Beckett St, Melbourne
• 7:00 - Melbourne Marriott Hotel - Cnr Exhibition St Lonsdale St, Melbourne
• 7:05 - Space Hotel - 380 Russell St, Melbourne
• 7:10 - Grand Hyatt Melbourne - Russell St entrance, Melbourne
• 7:20 - Adina Apartment Hotel - 189 Queen St, Melbourne
• 7:25 -The Savoy Hotel – 630 Little Collins St, Melbourne
• 7:35 - Immigration Museum (east-side), 400 Flinders St corner of Market St, Melbourne
• 7:40 - Crown Towers - 8 Whiteman St Queens Bridge St, Southbank

Great Ocean Road and Rainforest 1 Day Tour :  $150 Adult (13+), $120 Child (0 to 12)

If you’re keen on travelling to the Great Ocean Road on a private tour with just your friends or family we can help take you there. You can create your own tailor-made Melbourne trip or follow our itinerary. Contact our charters team for more information on  [email protected] .

What you need to bring?

• Water bottle
• Comfortable walking shoes
• Warm and cool clothing
• Rain jacket
• A sense of adventure

How long does it take to drive the Great Ocean Road?

Starting from Melbourne, a trip to the Great Ocean Road is a 664 km return. Travelling via Torquay ,  Apollo Bay,  and  Port Fairy  and returning to Melbourne takes 9.5 hours to drive . The Great Ocean Road has two main starting points when travelling from Melbourne . You can turn onto the Great Ocean Road from either  Torquay  or  Anglesea . Our  1-day great ocean road tours  turn onto Great Ocean Road at Anglesea. It’s from here the Great Ocean Road hugs the coastline through to Apollo Bay. Our  tours travel to the 12 Apostles before returning to Melbourne. This journey is a 504 km return to Melbourne , which takes 7hrs hours to drive. We spend 12hrs along the Great Ocean Road, enjoying many beautiful locations and stopping to explore.

Where does the Great Ocean Road start and end?

The Great Ocean Road starts from Torquay,  104km south of Melbourne . The Great Ocean Road ends  244 km  later in Allansford. However, we recommend you travel through to  Warrnambool  to visit the largest city along the  Great Ocean Road .

Can you do the Great Ocean Road in one day?

Yes, we specialise in offering one-day trips to the Great Ocean Road, helping travellers maximise their time in Melbourne. Between April and October, hiring a car for a one-day trip to the Great Ocean Road is not recommended . This region can experience high winds and severe rainstorms. You have limited daylight and will be returning to Melbourne in the dark on less maintained roads. From Melbourne, a Great Ocean Road day trip in a hire car is a tiring journey with approximately 7hrs of driving. We highly recommend joining a great ocean road tour and letting our experienced tour drivers ensure a fantastic day from start to finish.

How long should you take to do the Great Ocean Road?

664 km/413 miles , about  9.5 hours One of Victoria’s most scenic roads, the  Great Ocean Road is a fantastic 1-day bus tour from the capital of Melbourne  to the iconic  12 Apostles.

What is the best time to visit the Great Ocean Road?

The best time to visit the Great Ocean Road depends largely on what activities you plan on doing. For those who prefer warmer weather, September to April is the best time of year to visit. This period offers mostly sunny days and temperatures ranging from 16-25°C (60-77°F). During this period, you can take advantage of activities such as swimming at the beach or surfing in the ocean.

How hard is the Great Ocean Road Walk?

The  Great Ocean Walk  has a difficulty rating of “ moderate ” to “ challenging .” It means there will be short, steep climbs and uneven, bumpy trails. A relatively  energetic lifestyle  and some walking experience are recommended.

How long is the 12 Apostles walk?

At just over  100 kilometres , it combines Australia’s tallest coastal cliffs, the remains of various historic shipwrecks, and vast stretches of uninhabited beaches. A  walk along this route can perhaps bring a new twist at every turn .

Do you need a 4WD for Great Ocean Road?

You don’t need a 4WD drive  to  travel the Great Ocean Road  to choose the cheapest rental car, and it will be just fine! If you’re travelling alone, with two people, or you don’t like the idea of planning your trip on the Great Ocean Road , you’re better off choosing a tour .

Is the Great Ocean Road worth it?

For most visitors to Melbourne, a tour-guided trip to the  Great Ocean Road  is a must. Like many other Australian cities, it’s always worth taking a car or bus tour and travelling outside the city.

Do you have other 1 day Melbourne tour?

Also, Wildlife Melbourne Tours offers Yarra Valley Wine Tours that are perfect for wine connoisseurs and novices. Our tours provide an intimate experience of the Yarra Valley, allowing guests to explore some of the region’s finest wineries. You’ll visit boutique vineyards and taste award-winning wines during our Yarra Valley Wine Tours . Our tour guides are passionate and knowledgeable about Yarra Valley wines, so you can rest assured that your experience will be both educational and enjoyable. And to top it off, you’ll get to enjoy a delicious lunch at one of the region’s finest wineries. So join us for an unforgettable Yarra Valley Wine Tour experience!

30 thoughts on “1 Day Great Ocean Road Tour”

My friend and I did this tour on our second day in Australia (both in our late 20s). We both had such a fantastic day and were lucky that the sunshine came out for us as well during the day. We had Tim (with long hair – there were two Tims!) as our guide and we couldn’t have asked for better. Such a friendly and knowledgeable guy, absolutely loved his stories and facts throughout the day and how his playlist linked in with the information he was telling us. I felt so lucky to see wild koalas in Lorne ( we weren’t successful in seeing any in Noosa or Magnetic Island later on during our travels so felt even luckier we had managed to see them on this trip and so early on!). Loved the Twelve Apostles and Loch Ard Gorge, had famous Dooleys ice cream in Apollo Bay…. we fit so much into the day, it was very worthwhile. Of course like with any daytrip /tour, I wish we could have had slightly more time in each place and to have seen even more sights rather than having to pick and choose here and there because of time constraints. Overall so happy that we decided to do this tour!

We have been in Melbourne for just 3 days . So We have chosen the 1 day Great Ocean Road and it was absolutely amazing. Had fun at Cape Patton and enjoyed the beautiful great ocean rod cost and the ‘12 Apostles’. Had a great experience with our couch tour operator. Our guide John was absolutely funny, responsible and prepared for it. Thanks for everything.

Excellent tour. Duane the driver/guide very well planned and well informed. He organised the day well, commencing with a welcome coffee break. There was a good choice of photo stops along the Great Ocean Road. Apollo Bay was a good place to have lunch followed by a delicious Chocolate Ice Cream at the Award winners local outlet. We enjoyed the Rainforest and had some fantastic walks at the coast as we made our way along to the Twelve Apostles. It was a beautiful sunny day so conditions were ideal for this tour. Although there was a lot to see we never felt rushed. There was also plenty of cool water on hand. It was a memorable day out. Thanks to Duane for being an excellent Guide and- Yes- I will remember: Melbourne is the greatest City in the World!!”

My two friends and I did the one day tour of the Great Ocean Road with Tim as our guide. He was awesome! We loved his music playlist on the bus – made the trip much more enjoyable! We stopped at beautiful places and got to see wild koalas and parrots. Definitely recommend this tour!

My friends and I did the reverse great ocean road with Daniel as our guide, and had the BEST time! Daniel is an awesome host and guide, if you’re lucky enough to get on his bus you’ll be in for an amazing day! We also did the optional helicopter tour which was a great way to see the “12” Apostles.

The day trip to Great Ocean Road starts early in the morning and takes 12 hours long (the whole day). Is good to wear comfortable clothes, shoes and bring a bottle of water with you.

It is a small group, no more than 20 people, and during our way, we stopped to see some wild Aussie animals as cockatoos, koalas, kangaroos.

We had lunch in Apolo Bay in a small restaurant and our guide suggested to try the famous local ice cream at Dooley`s (delicious).

We stopped to do small hiking (40 minutes) at the Rain Forest and then, we continued by car until the Twelve Apostles Lookout. The view is unbelievable and the sunset is breathtaking. We also visited some places around where is possible to go to the beaches and see the huge stones which are part of The Twelve Apostles, as well.

Our guide, Guy, is an amazing and kind person and he knows everything about the place.

It was a happy and unforgettable day. I strongly recommend it!

Seriously the Great Ocean Road should be renamed The Amazing Ocean Road!! What a journey this is full of coastal wonders, Koala encounters and the breath taking 12 Apostles. I completely recommend this tour… brilliant day!

I must commend Simon on such a brilliant tour of the Great Ocean Road. His guidance and entertaining commentary as we travelled further brought to life an already breath taking journey. Cheers Wildlife Tours

We chose this tour for its great reviews and great price and we were not disappointed. Thank you to Wildlife Tours for an amazing trip

Had an amazing 1-day Great Ocean Road- trip, with a great itenirary and fun tour-guide! We were super happy with the whole day 🙂

Amazing tour way beyond my expectations. Id like to thank Darren our tour guide. his knowledge took this Great Ocean Road Tour to another level

I joined this great ocean road day tour over the new year period and was blown away by the service and knowledge of our tour guide Brad. Really enjoyed this incredible region. Highly recommend this tour

We loved this great ocean road tour so much. Seeing Koalas in the wild and a stunning rainforest walk were surprising highlights of this beautiful tour. Great value for money I will recommend to all my friends and family.

Thank you for such a wonderful experience. My wife and I thoroughly enjoyed Tim’s commentary and guidance throughout our tour. Strongly recommend.

We didn’t expected it would be such a long day, yet it was a great one. Thanks to our very experienced and passionate tour guide Darren and the excited Koala Charlie! Highly recommended!

We booked the private group with the same highlight with this day trip, everything are wonderful lunch is great, all the place are so beautiful and impressible. The best of the best is “Charlie”our tour leader and driver, he knows everything about the trip very well and entertain us along the trip, he has knowledge in dept since he worked in that forest before so real and fantastic, my daughter and son learned a lot about rain forest during walking and have fun. He is so professional tour leader and kind person, he recommended the good restaurant for dinner and managed the time perfectly. I strongly recommend all my friends to visit Melbourne and have the trip with you again. Thank again for wonderful trip. Regards Charlie’s angel

Thank you Wildlife Tours and to our Guide Darren for such an incredible experience. I will highly recommend to friends and family

Wow what can I say about this trip but another WOW! Our guide was incredible and helped create an incredible experience. The Great Ocean road is a must do if coming to Melbourne

Had a great day trip with Autopia to The Great Ocean Road & Rainforest walk. Henning, our tour guide was fantastic. Generous with his time (we are still on the bus at 9.30pm), knowledgeable, professional – and a really nice bloke! Would recommend this company and this gentleman to anyone. Hotel pick up fantastic. Thank you

Excellent day trip! Bus is a little small, but it didn’t take away from the day and the driver was fantastic and very knowledgeable. This trip is worth every penny.

We were picked up in central Melbourne and had morning tea in a little town called Colac. First landmark we saw was the London Bridge where we stopped for 15 mins to take in the view, we then went on to Loch Ard Gorge where we had longer time to walk around, really beautiful spot. Then we headed to the 12 Apostles where we had an hour, we had lunch here and there was an opportunity to go up in a helicopter for those who had pre-booked. There is a steady walk around the cliffs to take in the views of the Apostles. It is a busy place with lots of posing and selfies!

We then moved on to Mait’s rest forest tour again an easy 30 min walk the guide was entertaining and new his stuff. The trees were amazing to see.

We then had a toilet break at a seaside town and on to my favourite part of the day….Koalas! I got to see my first wild koalas on this trip. In fact one was sat on the crash barrier looking out to the ocean! Our guide said he had never seen anything like it before! At Kennett River there were also a lot of parrots which are clearly used to being fed as they were jumping on some of the other tourists.

We then drove along the rest of the Ocean Drive Road and had a photo opportunity at the Memorial Park Gates. One last stop for pizzas in Torquay and back to Melbourne for about 7.30pm all in all a very memorable day and thanks to a great driver and tour guide. Definitely recommend this to anyone visiting Melbourne and has a spare day.

What a fantastic tour we had on the 6th December with Andrea (and Rob) who was training. He will be a lovely and very approachable tour guide when he is ready.

A lot of people recommended doing great ocean road over several days. However we saw everything we felt the need to see on the day tour, it was more than sufficient.

Throughout this time we had morning tea, stopped at several bays and beaches, a wildlife park, had a lunch stop, went to viewing points, did a rainforest walk AND saw the 12 Apostles. The day went by very quickly and although there were so many stops, we didn’t feel rushed which was great.

The highlight of our tour was definitely seeing the parrots and koalas in the trees. You can feed the parrots and get some amazing photos!

We were picked up at 6.55am and didn’t return in the CBD until 8.30pm! Andrea was extremely knowledgable about everything that we did and saw. I can thoroughly recommend it as something to do in Melbourne.

This tour is not a must, but can be done if you have a day to spend and don’t know what to do. This tour takes you along different sights and places along the Great Ocean Road. It was a good tour as we got to see the 12 Apostles (now only 9 left), the Shipwreck Cove (The Loch Ard Gorge), The Maits Rest Rainforest (A small 20-25 mins walk through the rainforest) and many beautiful views along the Great Ocean Road. We also stopped in a place with some beautiful birds and koalas. It was a day well spent.

Our host for this tour was KK. She was really fun and patient (as at times we would return later than the rest of the group to the bus – apologies to everyone for that).

The tour was awesome. Got to spend time at all the major highlights of the Great Ocean Road! Tour guide was very helpful and nice. Would highly recommend as price is unbeatable.

I booked the Great Ocean road day tour with an online travel agent (Travel Freedom), who got me a day tour with Wildlife tours. I had been shopping around for rates and got a good deal for our family of six, which included lunch, so I was not sure what I would be getting for less than $100 per person, while other rates go as high as $130. Our tour went very well, my family enjoyed all the beauty and wonder of this tour, and all the history and information provided by our tour guide, Craig- who is not only knowledgeable, but full of wit and humor. Will look for Wildlife Tours again when we visit Australia!

We had a truly memorable day and couldn’t believe how much we managed to cram in. I need to give special mention to our tour guide Grant who really made the day with his informative but easygoing and often amusing commentary- it’s a long time to spend on a small coach and the commentary really helped the time pass and helped us learn about our surroundings. The meal stop was also really good – better than you often expect on tours where restaurants cater for large groups converging on them. Thanks for a tremendous day that we will always remember. Best wishes, Andy and Jill

My friends and I visited 3 places during our 1 week stay in Australia and the great ocean road was the best. The tourist guide was very friendly. Lots of things to see and pictures to take. We surely had a wonderful time.

It was my first time on the Great Ocean Road and I was not disappointed. The best part of it was the photo opportunities. So many things to see on a beautiful sunny day, I recommend this trip.

What an amazing tour with Rob, he had us in stitches. The views were amazing at the great ocean road. Everyone on the tour I spoke to really enjoyed themselves. Thanks Rob

Thanks for a good time. The koalas were my favorite of the one day tour. A long drive but the tour guide made it more fun.

I had an amazing time with Darren on the Great Ocean Road tour. He answered all our questions and helped us get the best out of our cameras by taking nice photos of beautiful places.

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The 4 best Great Ocean Road tours from Melbourne

On any given tourism brochure, commercial or billboard featuring Australia, there is one image that inspires people to get in their car, get on a plane or even board a bus to see it with their own eyes, this magnificent sight is the Great Ocean Road.

Dreamy shots of the 12 Apostles basking in the sun surrounded by clear blue waters, world-famous surf beaches or people wandering through the Redwood Forrest are high on the list of images to get.

Reverse Great Ocean Road bus tour

Some lucky people live right on this natural beauty’s doorstep but what is a visit to the Great Ocean Road like for the rest of us? How do you get to the Great Ocean Road on holiday in Melbourne?

Luckily, we have put together this post on Melbourne’s best Great Ocean Road tours so you can tick off a visit to this unique Australian landmark.

Where is the Great Ocean Road?

The Great Ocean Road, located in Victoria, Australia, is a 243-kilometre-long road that travels along the south-eastern coast of Australia and was built between 1919 and 1932 by returning World War I veterans.

The Great Ocean Road, a 243-kilometre scenic drive, starts in Torquay and finishes in Allansford, making it one of Australia’s most iconic road trips.

The road travels through the Victorian towns of Lorne, Apollo Bay, and Port Campbell, taking in some of the most stunning scenery on the planet, making the Great Ocean Road one of Australia’s most popular tourist destinations. The Great Ocean Road, start to finish is an experience you will not soon forget

Great Ocean Road tours from Melbourne

If you’re looking for a great way to spend a day, consider visiting the famous Great Ocean Road. Many Great Ocean Road tour companies offer GOR day trips from Melbourne , and the options vary in price and scope.

You can choose a Great Ocean Road day trip adventure tour from Melbourne that focuses on sightseeing and history or includes plenty of outdoor activities like hiking and swimming. No matter what you decide, you’ll have a great time exploring this beautiful part of the world on a great tour from Melbourne.

If you’re looking for some of the best Great Ocean Road day trips from Melbourne, Victoria, then you have come to the right place.

In this article, we will be discussing some of the best Great Ocean Road tours from Melbourne and some of the things that you can do while on these trips. So, without further ado, let’s get started on the best Great Ocean Road tours from Melbourne!

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Day Tours, Melbourne Great Ocean Road – Coastal highlights, forest and wildlife tour

If you’re looking for Melbourne day tours that combine the beauty of the Great Ocean Road coastline and some of Australia’s iconic animals, this is one of the best Great Ocean Road tours from Melbourne for you.

This fantastic tour includes a hotel pickup in Melbourne CBD before heading down to Torquay, where you will stop for morning tea and a photo opportunity in front of the iconic Great Ocean Road sign.

You will also have a stop to see some native Australian wildlife, including Koalas and beautiful Australian birds, lunch at Apollo Bay, and a cool temperate rainforest walk before heading to the big sites on this Great Ocean Road day trip.

After a bit of a drive, you will pull up at Gibson’s Steps, see the rock formations of the Twelve Apostles and check out Loch Ard Gorge. Your Great Ocean Road trip heads back to Melbourne from here, with a stop for dinner in Colac before dropping you off at your Melbourne hotel.

What’s included in Great Ocean Road tours from Melbourne:

• Roundtrip air-conditioned transportation
• Morning tea
• Wildlife tours of koalas and parrots in their natural habitat
• Tour Guide for a forest walk
• Coastal highlights tour
• The tour goes for 13.5 hours.

You will find that most Great Ocean Road day tours offer the exact same itinerary because, in essence, there are only so many things to see and do in one day on a Melbourne Great Ocean Road tour. You will find that the length of time at spots along the way will vary, the start-finish time will vary, and the number of people on your Great Ocean Road tours from Melbourne will vary.

Ultimately , it’s your choice on who you do a Great Ocean Road day tour from Melbourne with. Below, you will find some alternatives to the full-day Great Ocean Road tour from Melbourne.

Tour to Great Ocean Road full-day sunset tour

This Melbourne Great Ocean Road day tour is similar to the abovementioned tour. It takes in the entire Ocean Road in southwest Victoria, including the Memorial Arch Great Ocean Road, the surf coast, the rainforests and the Shipwreck coast. See Lorne, Apollo Bay, wildlife, pristine beaches of the 12 apostles, Lock Ard Gorge, and a more spectacular coastline.

The big difference with this tour is it starts and ends a little later, letting you see the sunset over the Great Ocean Road Apostles before heading back to Melbourne. Listen to the expert commentary and take advantage of the free Wi-Fi to share your experience on social media and make your friends and family jealous as it happens. There is just so much to do on the Great Ocean Road.

What’s included in Melbourne Great Ocean Road day tours:

• Pickup and drop-off from accommodation
• Entrance fees to the Great Otway National Park
• Wi-Fi onboard
• Translation app in 16 languages (link provided after booking)
• You can bring a packed lunch or buy food at stops
• All tours operate with a maximum of 24 participants to ensure an in-depth and personalized experience

Is Regional Victoria on your list?   Here are eight spectacular places for a summer holiday in Victoria

Great Ocean Road and Otway overnight tour

Overnight tours from Melbourne on the Great Ocean Road allow you to experience a more in-depth look at the area and sites. On day one, you leave Melbourne and head west towards the seaside town of Port Campbell.

On the way, you will stop at the Tower Hill Volcano site and go on a guided First Nations walk to learn about the traditional lifestyle of Australia’s indigenous people, bush tucker, medicine, and skills.

In the afternoon, you can explore the Shipwreck Coast and its icons, such as the Bay of Islands, The Grotto, London Bridge and Port Campbell National Park.

Heading to Port Campbell, where you spend the first night. Grab some dinner in your Great Ocean Road tickets, and then end the day at 12 Apostles watching the sun go down.

Day 2 of your Great Ocean Road tours kicks off early as you head to the big ticket locations on the Great Ocean Road before the crowds arrive, head to the beach at Loch Ard Gorge, walk a short distance on the Great Ocean Walk and head down to the sand at Gibsons Steps beach, back onto the bus and off to the Otway rainforest to walk among the Giants at the Redwoods of the Otways.

You will stare in awe at the tallest and second-tallest species of trees growing side by side in Western Victoria. Turning back towards Melbourne, there are stops at the seaside towns of Apollo Bay and Lorne to enjoy some beaches on the Great Ocean Road.

For those with a sweet tooth, you will have time to check out the Great Ocean Road Chocolaterie & Ice Creamery. This Great Ocean Road one-day tour will have you back in Melbourne by around 7:30 p.m.

What’s included in this Great Ocean Road overnight tour from Melbourne:

• Overnight tour to/from Melbourne of Great Ocean Road highlights
• One night’s accommodation at Port Campbell Hostel with shared bathroom facilities
• One dinner, one breakfast on this overnight tour of the Great Ocean Road
• Indigenous culture tour, including bush tucker and boomerang throwing
• All national park entrance fees
• Guided bush walks
• Guaranteed Australian wildlife sighting

Extend your stay on the Great Ocean Road: All the best things to do on the Great Ocean Road

This reverse tour heads to the far end of the Great Ocean Road first, hoping to avoid all other tours at the iconic Port Campbell National Park sight.

This will hopefully allow you a better experience and spectacular coastal views at the 12 Apostles and Loch Ard George with fewer tourist buses around. Your tour guide will inform you about the local history and more for a better experience of Great Ocean Road sights.

After taking in the amazing sights, you will experience some of Australia’s best-known wildlife and enjoy a guided walk through Maits Rest or Melba Gully. This ancient rainforest will have you admiring some of the world’s tallest trees in the Great Otway National Park, and your tour guide will be looking for wild Koalas to point out.

Heading back towards Melbourne, your final stop on this amazing tour will be the Great Ocean Road Memorial Arch near Bells Beach, one of the most photographed spots along this rugged coastline.

What’s included in this Great Ocean Road reverse day tour from Melbourne:

• Light picnic lunch
• Experienced driver guide
• National Park entry fees
• Onboard Wi-Fi and water refill station
• Australian wildlife sightings in the wild!
• Audio translation is available in 10 languages
• Select inner-city pick-up and drop-off points

The best Great Ocean Road tour in Melbourne offers breathtaking coastline views. A tour of the Great Ocean Road from Melbourne is best done over a few days if you have the time. You can easily grab a rental car in Melbourne and find accommodation.

This allows you to experience more things, such as taking a surfing lesson, visiting the Otway Fly Tree Top Adventure, exploring Apollo Bay, doing a rainforest tour and visiting the amazing Cape Otway Lighthouse, to name a few. You will not be rushed to see all the highlights, including the twelve apostles, the Kennett River, and the Southern Ocean.

In conclusion, doing the Great Ocean Road tours is something that everyone should do at least once in their lifetime. So many Great Ocean Road tours from Melbourne are available, with most of them offering the same thing. We have listed some of the best Great Ocean Road tours from Melbourne you can take, each offering a little something different.

The views are breathtaking, and it’s a great way to see some of the best parts of Australia. If you’re looking for an adventure, there are Great Ocean Road day trips to suit everyone.

We hope this article from us here at Explore Victoria has inspired you to embark on your adventure in Victoria, Australia, from popular  caravan parks  and  pristine beaches  to drives along the  Great Ocean Road . Enjoy weekends away on the Mornington Peninsula and discover the cosmopolitan charm of  Melbourne, Victoria ,  with a range of experiences for every traveller who wants to visit Victoria.

Whether you’re drawn to the rugged beauty of the Grampians, the cultural richness of Ballarat , or the autumn colours of  Bright  and  Northern Victoria , there’s no shortage of hidden gems waiting to be discovered in Victoria.

Even if you love  exploring Gippsland  or driving the  Great Alpine Road , Victoria has something special for you, and there is so much more for you to discover. If you are looking for more incredible and best places to  visit in Melbourne  or more travel in Victoria destinations,  Explore Victoria  has some more articles below for you to check out. Expand your horizons and get out and about in Victoria, Australia, for an unforgettable experience. 

If you have an idea, attraction, or top spot in Victoria, please comment or email us at  [email protected] .

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Mark Wyld is a passionate writer and explorer, weaving tales inspired by a deep love for his home state of Victoria. With local knowledge, Mark seeks to share insights and experiences that captivate and inspire readers. When not immersed in writing, you can find him working in Disability Support or spending time with family and friends. Follow Mark for a journey through Victoria’s best sights, tastes and attractions.

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Epic Australian Road Trips You Can Do Over A Weekend

Posted: September 15, 2023 | Last updated: September 15, 2023

Make tracks down under

Australian Capital Territory (ACT): Canberra to Khancoban

For rolling green mountains laced with hiking and mountain biking trails and criss-crossed with streams and rivers, head south from capital Canberra and cross into the Snowy Mountains of New South Wales. First stop on the roughly four-hour drive is Cooma, the largest town in the mountains, and where you can enjoy for a host of outdoor adventures. Set by a gorgeous lake, Jindabyne is another outdoorsy town where there’s lots of fun to be had. Swap to two wheels and cycle around the Lake Jindabyne Foreshore Trail, go fishing or sign up for caving or rock-climbing tours.

Next up, follow the signs to Thredbo where you can take the chair lift up to Australia’s highest peak, Mount Kosciuszko. Head to the summit trail for dizzying views of Thredbo Valley, then go back down to continue your journey along the Alpine Way. This dramatic stretch of road, with views of snow-capped peaks, high forests and rivers, links the southern reaches of Kosciuszko National Park to Khancoban, near the Victorian border. From here hikes into the high country lie all around: trails to the majestic Western Fall and among the plains and snow gums of the Jagungal Wilderness are highly recommended.

Northern Territory: Alice Springs to Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park

If it’s classic outback scenery you’re after, you won’t want to miss the 705-mile (1,135km) Red Centre Way loop from Alice Springs deep into central Australia’s desert plains, weathered mountain ranges and rocky gorges. You’ll pass some of the country’s most remarkable natural formations with plenty of places to stop off and see them in all their glory. To make the most of this spectacular route hire a four-wheel drive or if not, you can follow the longer but completely sealed 1,087-mile (1,750km) loop.

First up on the dusty road west from Alice Springs are the chasms, gorges and waterholes of Tjoritja/West MacDonnell National Park, where it's possible to find a spot for a cool dip. Kings Canyon in the Watarrka National Park is up next. Be sure to do the Rim Walk, a spectacular three-hour adventure up and into the canyon’s vast sandstone walls. You’ll have sweeping desert views and can peer into its verdant floor filled with palms and prehistoric cyads. From here it’s 186 miles (300km) to Uluru and Kata Tjuta, both sacred sites to the Anangu people, with a host of stirring walks. Head back east along the Lasseter Highway then north on the Stuart Highway back towards Alice.

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Northern Territory: Darwin to Kakadu to Katherine

Tropical city Darwin is the gateway to some of the Top End’s most epic landscapes. Immerse yourself in them on the Nature’s Way road trip, best taken over four days. The route strikes southeast from the city along the Arnhem Highway to the vast Kakadu National Park. You could spend endless days here exploring its sandstone escarpments, ogling ancient rock art at Ubirr and Burrungkuy, cruising wildlife-filled wetlands and hiking to see plunging falls and sweeping views across to Arnhem Land.

If you can tear yourself away from the wonders of Australia’s largest national park, take the road south for a two-and-a-half-hour drive along Kakadu Highway towards the town of Katherine. Revive road-weary legs at its natural thermal springs, set on the banks of the Katherine River, before heading off to discover the myriad wonders of Nitmiluk National Park, just a 30-minute drive away. Explore bushwalking tracks or cruise or kayak your way along the series of 13 gorges that are carved into the ancient sandstone.

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Northern Territory: Darwin to Litchfield

If the often relentlessly long roads of the Top End don’t appeal, follow this easy return trip from Darwin to Litchfield National Park. Heading 75 miles (120km) southwest from the city on sealed roads, you’ll be marveling at towering magnetic termite mounds and cooling off in sparkling waterholes and under thundering cascades in less than two hours. The park is big though, with plenty to see, so plan to camp overnight to fully explore its monsoon forests, sandstone plateau, creeks and scenic pools.

Stunning waterfalls run down from the park's rugged Tabletop Range, which experienced hikers can explore on the strenuous 24-mile (39km) Tabletop Trek. Shorter routes link off it to Wangi Falls, Walker Creek and the spectacular waterfall of Florence Falls, all designated safe swimming areas. Buley Rockholes, a series of bubbling pools, are an especially delightful spot for a wallow. Litchfield is gorgeous year round, but its falls are at their most spectacular in the wet and early dry season (March to September).

South Australia: Port Augusta-Coober Pedy

If you want seclusion, red dirt, roadhouses and kangaroos, this epic 500-mile (800km) road trip is the one for you. Take the Flinders Ranges Way from Port Augusta and keep driving into the vast untouched wilderness of the Ikara-Flinders Ranges. You’ll pass historic townships like old railway town Quorn and unfathomably vast sheep stations (stop in at Rawnsley Park Station to watch sheep shearing demos or join guided walking tours) as you edge your way into the ancient sun-baked landscape.

An astonishing sweep of eroded mountain ranges, dramatic gorges, Aboriginal rock art galleries and ancient fossils, the sights you encounter in Ikara-Flinders Ranges National Park will be forever etched on your mind. Take to the air to see the incredible natural marvel that is Wilpena Pound – Australia's largest salt lake Kati Thanda-Lake Eyre is best seen from a height too. If you have a four-wheel drive, you can drive along part of the legendary outback Oodnadatta Track from Marree to William Creek. From there, carry on two hours west and you’ll reach underground opal mining capital Coober Pedy. Go between May and September for cooler temperatures.

South Australia: Port Lincoln to Baird Bay

The Eyre Peninsula is where the outback meets the Southern Ocean with spectacular results. Follow the Seafood Frontier road trip route to discover why this less-visited part of South Australia enchants with its sensational seafood, marine life and incredible beaches. Start in Port Lincoln, which sits on Boston Bay – the largest natural harbor in Australia and the country’s seafood capital with a huge southern bluefin tuna industry. It’s also a hub of marine adventures, including the only cage dive with great white sharks in Australia.

From here, it’s an easy 30-minute drive to Coffin Bay where you can eat its eponymous oysters straight from the water – slip on your waders and head out on an oyster farm tour. The wild beaches of Coffin Bay National Park are out of this world: from dune-backed, surf-pounded beaches to sheltered bays, they’re all gorgeous and more often than not empty. From here drive north up the west coast of the peninsula to Elliston on the shores of Waterloo Bay. Follow its eight-mile (13.6km) walking and driving coastal track, for thrilling ocean views from high windswept cliffs peppered with caves. Then head on to Baird Bay where you can swim with playful sea lions and bottlenose dolphins.

South Australia: Adelaide to the Clare Valley

As the home of some of the country’s oldest and most renowned wineries, South Australia is the state for oenophiles to navigate to. Happily, its picturesque wine regions are an easy drive from capital Adelaide (also a hot spot for wining and dining). Follow the road trip known as the Epicurean Way to get your fill of the state's top drops and gourmet delights as you spend three days meandering around the vineyards, villages, farmers' markets and restaurants of four fantastic wine regions: McLaren Vale, Adelaide Hills, Barossa and Clare Valley.

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Start your gourmet odyssey an hour south of Adelaide at McLaren Vale, a scenic region wedged between the rolling Mount Lofty Ranges and the Gulf St Vincent beaches. With 80 plus cellar doors, there’s plenty to fill your day. Cycle or hike along the Shiraz Trail, a five-mile (8km) former rail-trail to Willunga, stopping off to sample wines and local produce at cellar doors. Heading back north to Adelaide Hills, known for its cool-climate wines, pretty townships and lush landscapes, the route then continues onto the historic towns and gourmet hot spots of the Barossa Valley and finally the picturesque Clare Valley. Ditch the car again and pedal along the 22-mile (35km) Riesling Trail for countryside views, cellar doors and charming B&Bs.

Tasmania: Hobart to Binalong Bay

Skirting along Tasmania’s scenic east coast, this 186-mile (300km) route is best taken over four days or more. Starting at Hobart, the road goes north past dramatic coastlines peppered with stunning and often deserted beaches. The Great Eastern Drive passes four of the state's 19 national parks: Freycinet (white sands, blue waters and pink granite peaks), Douglas-Apsley (forest tracks and gorges with swimming holes), Mount William (which includes the northern section of the dramatic Bay of Fires) and, a 30-minute ferry from the fishing port of Triabunna, the wildlife haven that is Maria Island (convict-era ruins and native species including wombats and Tasmanian devils). 

Other highlights on the Great Eastern Drive are impossibly pretty Wineglass Bay on the Freycinet​ Peninsula and the extraordinary orange lichen-covered granite boulders of the Bay of Fires, where the route ends. There are plenty of places to stay and eat en route, as the road takes in charming laid-back towns (including Orford, Swansea on the Great Oyster Bay and Bicheno) and some of Tasmania's top food and wine producers.

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Tasmania: Hobart to Cockle Bay

Take the road south of Hobart instead to follow the Southern Edge road trip. After exploring the historic waterfront capital, head along the Huon Highway and out past the little coves of the D’Entrecasteaux Channel, around the bucolic farms and orchards of the pretty Huon Valley and drive right to Australia’s southern-most edge for cliff-top walks and edge-of-the-world feels. This easy drive can be done in a few days, but add a few extra to hop over to Bruny Island. Take the car ferry from Kettering to wend your way around the wild little isle.

Back on the mainland, head south down the coastal road to Cygnet, hub of the Huon Valley with the D'Entrecasteaux Channel on one side and the Huon River on the other. From here you can pootle around farm gates and roadside stalls to sample its famed apples, pears and ciders. From here, head to Cockle Bay to explore Tasmania's secluded southwest wilderness where quite literally the next stop is Antarctica. Park at the end of Australia’s most southerly road and follow the South Coast Track through woods and bushland to the cliffs above South Cape Bay. This four-hour hike will certainly stretch your legs before you head back to Hobart.

Tasmania: Cradle Mountain to Queenstown

After exploring the spectacular scenery of Cradle Mountain and Dove Lake in Tasmania's Central Highlands, take the road less traveled into the island's western wilds. Turning west onto the C132, you’ll cross a stretch of wild open moorland, then head south onto the Murchison Highway. You’ll pass through former mining towns (Tullah and Rosebery) and remote settlements with a convict past that sit on the edge of the vast World Heritage-listed Tasmanian Wilderness Area that cloaks much of the island's west. 

Stop in small town Zeehan to learn about the region’s rich history at the West Coast Heritage Centre and Pioneers Museum and climb Mount Zeehan for sweeping west coast views. Then stretch your legs on the wild windswept expanse of Ocean Beach before driving 40 minutes south to harborside town Strahan. Now a tourist hub, cruises go into the Franklin-Gordon Wild Rivers National Park and to notorious convict station Sarah Island. From here, you could either catch the historic West Coast Wilderness Railway through the rainforest to Queenstown, once the world's richest mining town, or wind along the twisty mountainous road to explore its heritage buildings and visit former mines.

Queensland: Gold Coast to Bundaberg

Sun- and fun-filled days are a given on the 273-mile (440km) Great Sunshine Way, which stretches north from the buzzy Gold Coast along Queensland's subtropical coastline via Brisbane to Bundaberg. As well as sun-drenched beaches at every turn, you’ll see koalas and whales, eat in fantastic restaurants and pass stunning national parks. Start the trip on a high note by hitting the theme parks of the Gold Coast or learning to surf at Surfers Paradise then hit the M1, AKA Great Sunshine Way.

Spend a night or two in buzzy Brisbane: take the riverside walk and head to Fortitude Valley for hip bars and restaurants. More top food spots and blissful beaches await 90 miles (144km) north in upscale beach town Noosa. Follow the track through Noosa National Park to the headland where koalas are often spotted, and whales pass by. Didn’t spot any? Continue on the road 115 miles (185km) north to Hervey Bay. Around 10,000 humpback whales visit here every year on their annual migration between July and November. Next stop is Bundaberg, where a well-deserved rum awaits your arrival. Take a tour of its famed Bundaberg Rum Distillery.

Queensland: Noosa to Hervey Bay

There are beach roads and then there are actual beach roads. Follow the 236-mile (380km) Great Beach Drive to quite literally track your way along the sand on Queensland's sandy highways. Start in Noosa, where you’ll need to hire a four-wheel drive (make sure the right vehicle access permits are included), then cross Noosa River on the vehicle ferry at Tewantin. From here, take the third beach access road and hit the sands. You’ll go through the Great Sandy Strait Biosphere – stop at Teewah Beach to marvel at its multicolored sand cliffs then carry on north on the Leisha Track to cut through the sand dunes to the small coastal resort of Rainbow Beach. 

Stay overnight at seaside resort Rainbow Beach before you take the vehicle barge over to the southern end of World Heritage-listed K’gari (Fraser Island) for a mind-blowing drive along its 75 Mile Beach. This amazing sand highway runs along the island's eastern coast. Park at little township Eurong and head off on foot to explore or keep driving north to Lake Wabby, Eli Creek, the SS Maheno shipwreck, Indian Head (pictured) and Champagne Pools. Camp overnight then track inland to Kingfisher Bay on its west coast to catch the Fraser Island Barge across to River Heads, a 20-minute drive away from Hervey Bay.

Queensland: Cairns to Cooktown

After enjoying the sights above and below the waves in Cairns, hit the Captain Cook Highway for a seriously scenic 87-mile (140km) drive along the far north Queensland coast to Cape Tribulation. With white sand, blue waters and offshore islands on one side and emerald-green rainforest on the other, it’s a feast for the eyes. Stop off for lunch or the night at pretty resort Palm Cove, then head on to Port Douglas. This buzzy tropical town has great restaurants, bars and shops and is a top place to head out on boat trips to the outer Great Barrier Reef or to little islands for snorkeling.

Use Port Douglas as a base for exploring the many wonders of Daintree National Park, before taking the vehicle ferry across the Daintree River to Cow Bay. From here it’s a 30-minute stretch to Cape Tribulation, where the rainforest meets the Coral Sea with spectacular effect. Four-wheel drives only can continue from Emmagen Creek north along the scenic but challenging Bloomfield Track to Cooktown (where Captain James Cook came ashore after HMS Endeavour ran aground on the reef). Be sure to visit its museum and take a tour with Indigenous Australian guides to visit the Quinkan Rock Art. Decorating sandstone escarpments near small town Laura, these are one of the best collections of prehistoric rock art in the world.

Queensland: Gold Coast to the Scenic Rim

Queensland isn’t all reef and beach as you’ll discover on this inland route, which winds around the unfathomably picturesque Scenic Rim. The volcanic region encompasses six national parks, World Heritage-listed Gondwana Rainforests, towering mountains, sleepy villages and farmland. Within less than an hour of leaving Gold Coast’s high-rises, you’ll be meandering along narrow roads into lush cool hills and through lovely country towns. Start at North Tamborine on Tamborine Mountain where you can take the Tamborine Rainforest Skywalk, tour glow worm caves and stock up on local treats from its many distilleries, vineyards and food producers.

Itching to explore the walking trails? Head south through the rainforest-cloaked mountains towards Lamington National Park, part of the Gondwana Rainforests of Australia. In this park alone, 90 miles (160km) of hiking trails lead to no less than 500 waterfalls. For sweeping views of the Lost World plateau (a green shelf on Razorback Mountain), strike out on the Moonlight Crag walk or if time is short get up among the trees on the park's suspension bridge walk. From here, drive west towards Rathdowney to explore the trails that wrap around the rugged peaks and rainforests of Mount Barney National Park.

Victoria: Torquay to Allansford

Victoria’s Great Ocean Road is hands down one of the world’s best driving routes. Officially starting in Torquay and ending at Allansford to the west, the route twists 151 miles (243km) along the Southern Ocean passing surf towns, wild beaches and striking rock formations, before heading inland through undulating rainforest. From Torquay, head to Bells Beach (famed surf spot), Anglesea, Aireys Inlet (take a tour of historic Split Point Lighthouse for thrilling views) and spend the night at lovely beach town Lorne. Stroll to Teddy’s Lookout for more spectacular views and be sure to visit Erskine Falls.

Some of the road’s most coast-hugging sections follow on the drive to Apollo Bay: pull over at the lookouts to peer down to the crashing waves below. You’re likely to spot koalas as you drive, but if you don’t, follow the Grey River Road walk in Kennett River, home to a large population of wild koalas – it's halfway between Lorne and Apollo Bay. After the latter, the road veers into the Great Otway National Park (stop for rainforest strolls and thundering waterfalls) before winding back to the coast and past the famous rock formations of Port Campbell National Park – the Twelve Apostles, Loch Ard Gorge and London Arch.

Victoria: Melbourne to Mornington Peninsula

With its rolling hills, wineries, sleepy villages and hot springs, the Mornington Peninsula offers the best of both countryside and coast and is where Melburnians go to recharge. Framed by two spectacular coastlines, the peninsula has dramatic surf beaches and sheltered bays, and is scattered with artsy seaside towns. Take the M3 Eastlink Toll Road from the city and in an hour you could be gazing at the region from the top of Arthurs Seat, soaking in the Mornington Peninsula Hot Springs or picking up a pinot from its vineyards.

Pootle around the wineries and award-winning restaurants of the Red Hill and Main Ridge regions. Then for beach time head to Mount Martha, Rosebud and Portsea, all pretty bays backed by colorful beach huts. Scenic seaside town Sorrento near the western tip is a lovely base with plenty to do. From here, you can head towards Point Nepean at the very tip of the Mornington Peninsula: the views across the Bass Strait, the Rip and Port Phillip Bay are mind blowing, as are the walking trails that wind around its old military forts, tunnels and Quarantine Station.

Victoria: Wangaratta to Metung

Head into Victoria’s lofty mountain ranges on the Great Alpine Road for a dose of crisp mountain air and big sky views. The route stretches from Wangaratta through the Ovens Valley to Harrietville, up and over the alpine resort of Mount Hotham, then down again to the coastal village of Metung on the Gippsland Lakes. Covering 211 miles (339km) in total, this drive takes you along Australia's highest year-round accessible sealed road. As well as soaring peaks and plunging valleys, you’ll pass Gold Rush-era towns, thick forests, undulating vineyards and wildlife-rich waterways.

Head south of Wangaratta to explore Milawa (known for its great food) and Beechworth, a characterful 19th-century gold rush town, then head up into Mount Buffalo National Park. Here, walking tracks lead to hulking granite formations, waterfalls and lofty lookouts across the Australian Alps. It’s a hub of outdoor activities in both summer and winter. After stopping in charming country town Bright, ascend into Victoria's highest Alpine village, Mt Hotham. Danny's Lookout is the place to admire it all. You could tackle the Razorback Trail to the summit of Mount Feathertop or descend to the lush farmlands and historic buildings of Omeo. The last leg of this drive along the Great Alpine Road takes you to Metung, gateway to the gorgeous Gippsland Lakes. 

Western Australia: Perth to Exmouth

The 800-mile (1,250km) Coral Coast Highway from Perth to Exmouth is one of Australia’s ultimate campervan routes, skirting past some of the state’s most spectacular coastal scenery, otherworldly wonders and wildlife encounters, with some brilliant campsites en route. One of the first major stops after leaving Perth is the Pinnacles Desert, followed by the coastal city of Geraldton and onto the rugged landscape of Kalbarri National Park – well worth a stopover for hikes around its plunging gorges and to take the new Kalbarri Skywalk on the rim of Murchison Gorge for dizzying views. 

Next up are the wonders of the Shark Bay World Heritage Area: stroll across Shell Beach, meet the dolphins of Monkey Mia and see some of the oldest living organisms on the planet, the stromatolites at Hamelin Pool. From here it’s back on the North West Coastal Highway to Carnarvon and Coral Bay, where you can swim straight from the beach and out onto the Ningaloo Reef, the world’s longest fringing coral reef. Cape Range National Park just outside Exmouth is a suitably show-stopping end point with its ocher-colored gorges and reef-fringed turquoise lagoons. Go between March to July, if you can, and you’ll be there when whale sharks arrive to feed on plankton. 

Western Australia: Derby to Kununurra

The 410-mile (660km) Gibb River Road is one of Australia’s most legendary four-wheel drive routes, cutting through some of its most remarkable scenery. Accessible only between April and October, the challenging track (which has been sealed in sections recently) is a short cut between Derby in the west Kimberley and Kununurra in the east, taking drivers into the heart of the northern Kimberley plateau. You can do the full route, best taken over 12 days, or explore parts on a long weekend.

However far along the route you go, you're in for a truly breathtaking journey through sunburnt sandstone ranges, rivers and boab-dotted savannah country. There are plenty of places to sleep along the way, from camps to luxury lodges on unfeasibly large cattle stations like Drysdale River Station and Home Valley Station, as well as El Questro Wilderness Park. Cool off from dusty drives in sparkling waterholes, hike to dazzling gorges like Adcock Gorge (passing ancient rock art along bush tracks) and feel dwarfed by the majestic orange cliffs of the Cockburn Range.

Western Australia: Perth to Esperance

Follow the road south alongside the Indian Ocean from Perth in southern Western Australia for wildlife, wines, white-sand beaches, waves and towering trees. This is the epic South West Edge road trip that takes in some of the state’s most extraordinary landscapes. First up is go-to gourmet destination Margaret River, famed for its wineries, farmers' markets and surf-pounded beaches. Be sure to walk some of the spectacular coastal stretch that runs from the wind-lashed lighthouses of Cape Naturaliste to Cape Leeuwin.

If time allows, follow the road on as it curves around onto Western Australia’s southern coast. Stop to hike through the tingle trees in the Walpole-Nornalup National Park forest – these giant eucalypts are found nowhere else on Earth – and swim in the gorgeous Greens Pool in William Bay National at Denmark. More epic coastal scenery follows on Hamersley Drive, a scenic route that wends through Fitzgerald River National Park to Hopetoun. From here, it’s two hours to Esperance, on the edge of Cape Le Grand National Park, where resident kangaroos can be seen hopping about Lucky Bay’s gleaming sand.

Western Australia: Dalwallinu to Geraldton

Western Australia’s Northern Wheatbelt region is glorious road-trip territory at any time of the year, but go from July to October and you’ll be there when the landscape bursts into bloom during the wildflower season. Follow the Wildflower Way from Dalwallinu, a quiet farming town, and head 192 miles (309km) north to Geraldton, passing through traditional townships along the way. One of the first spots you’ll reach is Petrudor Rocks where you can see everlastings, wattles and wild orchids around the pools and granite formations.

Heading onwards, visit Wubin, Buntine Rock, Latham or Caron Dam before arriving at the Wheatbelt town of Perenjori, heart of the wildflower region where pink, yellow and white everlastings carpet the countryside in spring. There’s plenty to do in the sheep-and-wheat farming town, including walking trails – follow the one to John Forrest Lookout for incredible views of the surrounding station country. Carry on north along the Wubin Mullewa Highway to Morawa, Mullewa and finally, breezy coastal city Geraldton, all with their own picturesque wildflower sites.

New South Wales: Sydney to Shoalhaven

Stretching 87 miles (140km) south from Sydney, the Grand Pacific Drive is a blockbuster of a coastal route. First up is the Royal National Park, the oldest in Australia, with its walking trails to wild beaches. The highway continues south, over the famously photogenic Sea Cliff Bridge, which bends around towering cliffs and past the coastal towns of Wollongong, Shellharbour and Kiama. Stay overnight here and follow the Kiama Coastal Walk to see its famous blowhole, surf beaches and pretty bays – the lesser known Little Blowhole lies further south.

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New South Wales: Sydney to Southern Highlands

From Sydney, take the Hume Highway 70 miles (112km) southwest to Bowral, the largest town in the Southern Highlands. Bowral is packed with genteel shops and gourmet restaurants and cricket fans will love the Bradman Museum (you can also visit his childhood home). This rural region is all rolling green hills and farmlands, scattered with charming villages and cellar doors. Just to the west of Bowral lies historic township Berrima, home to the oldest continuously licensed pub in Australia, the Surveyor General Inn. Take the river walk and call in at the Bendooley Estate for wine tasting and book browsing (it has an amazing book barn). 

The region has over 60 vineyards that specialize in cool-climate varieties and 15 cellar doors – follow the wine trail to visit some of the best. It has beautiful bushland and waterfall walks too (keep an eye out for koalas). A couple of hours south of Berrima is Morton National Park, where you should walk to Fitzroy Falls before heading northeast for more stunning waterfalls and kayaking adventures in Kangaroo Valley – you'll cross over the gorgeous 19th-century Hampden Bridge. Then drive east towards the coast via picturesque Berry to join the stunning Grand Pacific Drive north back towards Sydney.

New South Wales: Sydney to the Blue Mountains

The Blue Mountains can easily be visited in a day from Sydney but make a long weekend of it to see more of the incredible region. Head out along the Great Western Highway from Sydney to Leura and Katoomba, two charming towns in the upper mountains and where most visitors gravitate. Echo Point Lookout is the place to go to see the Three Sisters, the dramatic sandstone peaks that soar over Jamison Valley. At Scenic World you can take the cable car across the valley or head down on the world's steepest railway to explore the trails below. 

Continue the short distance on the Great Western Highway towards Blackheath, then take the winding Megalong Valley Road through rainforest to explore this lovely pastoral valley with its delightful tearooms and horse-riding trails. Back on the highway, stop off at Hassan’s Walls (the highest lookout in the Greater Blue Mountains), and follow the winding road down to the mesmerizing Jenolan Caves, said to be the most ancient caverns in the world. From here wend your way back the way you came or go via Bilpin instead and through the Hawkesbury region to stop off at historic riverside settlements and national parks – and try your hand at kayaking – before heading south down the Pacific Highway back to Sydney.

New South Wales: Sydney to Blueys Beach

There's a reason this long-distance road-trip north from Sydney to Byron Bay is named the Legendary Pacific Coast drive. The full route is 497 miles long (800km) and passes surf towns, historic cities and wildlife-rich national parks, but you can get a taste of it along a three-hour section from Sydney to Blueys Beach in mid-north coast. Once you’ve crossed the Hawkesbury River, and weaved past the Central Coast’s beachside towns (Ettalong Beach, Terrigal and The Entrance), you'll reach cool coastal city Newcastle. From here, a detour to sample semillon and shiraz in the Hunter Valley is very much recommended. 

Next stop is Port Stephens – a huge sweep of a bay known for its giant sand dunes, dolphin tours and koala habitats. From here, head up along the Pacific Highway towards the mid-north coast, taking the exit onto the Lakes Way to the Great Lakes region. There are seven dazzling beaches to hop between, including surfer's hangout Blueys, Boomerang and Elizabeth Beach (part of Booti Booti National Park) and three coastal lagoon systems, including the magnificent Myall Lakes, to explore.

Now take a look at 40 of Australia's most stunning natural wonders

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How tourist operators in Far North Queensland are fighting for survival after series of disasters

For three months, Julian and Jackie Pagani have been burning hundreds of litres of fuel a day to power a campsite no-one can visit.

Usually their camping ground at Cape Tribulation, nestled between World Heritage-listed rainforest and the Great Barrier Reef, swells with visitors this time of year.

But since Cyclone Jasper and a subsequent flooding event wreaked havoc on Far North Queensland last December, no-one has been able to get into the remote coastal village.

There's only one road into Cape Tribulation, and it's impassable.

"We haven't had any tourist trade since the cyclone so we are three months in with no income, no trade," Ms Pagani said.

"We don't know where to go from here, we don't know when we can reopen the doors, we don't know what to tell our staff, we don't know what to tell the bank."

Cape Tribulation has no mains power so for the Paganis, powering the campground is an expense that doesn't stop — even if the tourists do.

"[The diesel generator is] burning hundreds of litres of fuel a day because we have to keep everything on, including our sewage treatment plant," Mr Pagani said.

"After three months, it's a lot of money without an income."

Other tourism operators in the close-knit rainforest community are also doing it tough. The hotel rooms are vacant and cafes are empty, leaving businesses in the region teetering on the edge of financial ruin.

Ms Pagani puts it plainly: "Without tourists, we don't have Cape Tribulation."

"It won't exist if we don't open to tourists, there's no other way to make an income here, all other residents work in tourism."

A 'horrific start' to the tourism year

It's been three months since Cyclone Jasper and a subsequent flooding event wreaked havoc on Far North Queensland — the jewel in Australia's tourism crown.

About $280 million has been lost in cancelled bookings across the region between December and January and hotel occupancy rates remain as low as 30 per cent in some areas.

"We've had an horrific start to the year," Queensland's Tourism Minister Michael Healy conceded.

About 400,000 tourists normally visit the Daintree Rainforest and Cape Tribulation, located about a three-hour drive north of Cairns, each year.

The region recorded almost 3 metres of rain after Jasper crossed the coast near Cape Tribulation and the deluge caused a 56-metre landslide that effectively severed the rainforest village from the rest of the state.

Locals band together

Despite the devastation, Ms Pagani said local businesses had joined forces to help her pull off the couple's wedding on New Year's Eve at their isolated campground – the only business the town has seen in three months

About 170 family and friends were ferried in on a commercial reef tourism boat, cutlery and dinnerware was borrowed from nearby resorts, and food and drinks purchased from local businesses.

"We had planned our wedding a long time ago and we weren't going to let the cyclone stop us," Ms Pagani said.

Lawrence Mason, who runs a café and shop at Cape Tribulation, supplied alcohol, soft drinks and water for the wedding.

"We've been closed for more than 90 days so it was wonderful to see locals supporting other locals at such a difficult time," he said.

Empty rooms and water woes

Even parts of Far North Queensland that are accessible to visitors are still feeling the pain months after the cyclone.

Bryce and Lee Tozer, who manage the Cayman Villas resort in Port Douglas — a destination favoured by US presidents and singers Kylie Minogue and Ed Sheeran — said their occupancy rates were "significantly down" this Easter.

"I've spoken to many people around town and we all have similar stories, the phones aren't running hot, " Mr Bryce said.

"We need to get the message out, especially to people in Sydney, Melbourne and Brisbane that we are here and open, the reef is here, all the resorts are open for business, all sitting here and waiting for you to come."

Mr Tozer said publicity surrounding the town's water woes — Port Douglas is on level-four water restrictions as a result of flooding damage to treatment plants — had also impacted visitor numbers.

There have been several instances where the town has been left without water at short notice, forcing some tourists to bucket pool water to flush their toilets.

Local mayor Michael Kerr said council was working through the water issues and restoring road access to Cape Tribulation with the help of the Department of Transport and Main Roads.

"It's important to remember we are still open for business. The bars, cafes, restaurants, the reef tours, they are all open and if you love the tropics, please come and see us," Mr Kerr said.

He said the council hoped to open the road into Cape Tribulation by Easter, but it would be weather-dependent.

Millions poured into lure visitors back

Both the Queensland and federal governments have poured millions of dollars into advertising campaigns, discounted flights and holiday vouchers in a bid to entice visitors back to Far North Queensland.

In Cairns and Port Douglas, occupancy rates this Easter period have been about half of what they were last year, Tourism Tropical North Queensland (TTNQ) figures show.

Mr Healy said in addition to the cyclone, flooding and road closures, there were other factors that had also contributed to the region's poor tourist numbers.

"Fundamentally, this comes down to access, and if we're looking at aviation into the region, and the prices are high, that is a big deterrent," he said.

"Eighty-seven per cent of our tourists get off at the [Cairns] airport so pricing, especially around that holiday period, is very important."

However, a sprinkling of international tourists have found their way to the region despite the hurdles.

English visitor Paul Oakley said he and his wife were aware of the natural disasters but chose to forge ahead with their journey and hadn't been disappointed.

"If you're helping out the tourism here, it's a really good thing and we are pleased that we did come," Mr Oakley said.

"We had expectations about what Australia would be like and it has more than exceeded those. Queensland in particular is beautiful. We have had trips to the Great Barrier Reef and it has just been wonderful."

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‘Surprise’ find inside abandoned shop from 2012

A pair of mates who randomly stumbled across an abandoned shop on the side of a road were shocked to discover what was still left inside.

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A pair of mates who randomly stumbled across an abandoned shop on the side of a road in Northern Ireland were shocked to discover what was still left inside.

Jamie Robinson, 24, from Ballyclare, was travelling with his friend Jordan, when the duo came across an abandoned shop that’s been closed for more than 10 years.

After deciding to go inside they were met with trash all over the floor and broken shelves.

However, to their shock and amusement, there were still food tins and drink bottles that appeared to be left untouched.

“So today me and Jordan randomly came across this abandoned shop that has been closed since 2012,” Jamie said in the viral TikTok.

“But look at how much stuff has actually been left since then.”

He walked over to a fridge with several bottles of Diet Coke, Ribena and water — the price list was also visible and stuck to the side of the fridge.

“This place has been abandoned for over 10 years and there’s just so much left still.”

“Even on the floor — like none of this is rubbish at all. It’s full.”

The store, which appeared to be a newsagency, had magazines in tact and while its ceiling and walls were dilapidated, framed advertisements were surprisingly still in good condition.

“We were so surprised by this place,” Jamie said. “For a random one on the side of a road you don’t usually get this much left.”

The boys guessed it was perhaps robbed and destroyed.

“The smokes are gone,” Jamie pointed out as he showed an empty cigarette shelf.

He described the “unexpected” discovery as “very impressive”.

After sharing it to his TikTok and Instagram on Monday, it has been inundated with comments from viewers wondering why the food hadn’t been donated.

“That’s mad [you’d think] they would have given it away or feed the homeless,” one person wrote.

“Why would you leave the Dairy milk & the fruit polos? This bugs me the most,” a second wrote.

A third added: “Yo some of that might still be safe,” with a fourth claiming: “Sadly an eviction and only had limited time to remove goods”.

One person joked: “Taste the milk. It might be still good to go.”

Jamie is known for his abandoned buildings content having racked up almost 4 million ‘likes’ on his TikTok posts alone.

One of his most popular with 4.5 million views is of him investigating an abandoned hospital in Belfast.

“I started TikTok about two-and-a-half years ago,” he told the Belfast Telegraph in November last year.

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“During Covid there was nothing else really to do, so I thought we would go out for a bit, and then we found the hospital and it just started from there.”

He said he feels privileged to “bring history back to life” and loves he is able to connect people with their past.

“I would be live and a lot of people will comment ‘that’s the hospital I was born in’, or ‘I had my first child in that hospital’, or ‘you are in the classroom of a certain teacher’,” he told the publication.

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Twelve Apostles, Great Ocean Road, Victoria

Guide to the Great Ocean Road

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• Getting to the Great Ocean Road
• When to visit

Experience the rugged beauty along the south-west coast of Victoria by setting off along one of the world’s most scenic coastal drives.

The spectacular Great Ocean Road hugs the seaside cliffs that snake along the wild and windswept Southern Ocean. The striking vistas along the iconic road evoke awe with craggy cliffs, empty beaches and soaring bluffs flanked by brilliant green countryside. Add epic surf, native wildlife, unforgettable hiking and biking trails and you will find plenty of things to see and do around every curve.

Located just over a one-hour drive from Melbourne is Torquay, The Great Ocean Road’s official starting point. To get to here, fly into Melbourne Airport or Avalon Airport and hire a car for an epic self-drive tour. If you don't feel like driving, there are coaches and tour experiences available to pre-book from Melbourne.

• Melbourne Airport (MEL) is located 110km (68mi) from Torquay; domestic and international arrivals
• Avalon Airport (AVL) is located 49km (30mi) from Torquay; domestic and international arrivals
• Hire car options are available at both airports and in central Melbourne

The Great Ocean Road is a scenic experience all year round. However, the best time to drive is during summer as the skies are clear, and you can see the winding cliff faces along the shoreline. 

• High season: Summer (December to February)
• Low Season: Winter (June to August)

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